the Heart of it

the Heart of it

A Poem by jacob erin-cilberto

the Heart of it

 

 

 

 

the Holy Water turned stagnant

the incense burning with the scent 

of charred flesh,

it's on the inside where it really hurts

 

the sign of the cross is blasphemous

the disciples cringe at the thought

wash their feet, wash their souls

rinse off the treachery of a given few

 

who got caught,

got moved

got redemption in a slip not quite pink

dirty hands augmented with deceit

 

i sat in a pew

and listened to my conscience

but instead heard theirs

ostentatiously whispering lame prayers.

 

 

erin-cilberto

5/15/22

© 2022 jacob erin-cilberto


My Review

Would you like to review this Poem?
Login | Register




Reviews

Triggered memories if my time in catholic schools and the subsequent scandals after. You have a way with words I haven't seen jacob

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

thank you for your kind words, Ranger,
j.
[send message][befriend] Subscribe
Gee
The most worthless words are apologies offered up only when "found out"
Cheating lovers, politicians on the take, the clergy getting caught fiddling, these apologies should instead have been confessions brought on by being unable to look at oneself in the mirror.
Good morning squire, hope you are in rude health and are going to do something outrageous later :))

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

yes, the whole affair turned me off to the Catholic religion...don't prosecute them, move them.
read more
That last stanza said it all about some organized religion. Not hard to understand why they try to wash their hands of it. Collapse of their institution is at hand.

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

thank you, Bill,
j.
Practice what you preach, but some of them didn't. Happy to accept the confession of others though refusing to deal with their own wrong doing. Reading this J, reminds me of one of the reasons I stopped going to church. This poem has a real sixties feel about it. Lame prayers, yes they were for some. Excellent write.

Chris

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

thank you for your understanding, Chris,
j.
You are so good at saying something that cannot be pinned to time or place. I think people can read this and connect it to any number of things. In a way like the Everyman play of so many years since. Something that reminds us of who we are but in a broad way so that we can’t say it is not ourselves being pointed out and asked for accountability. This is a strength for me. Because it makes us examine ourselves as well as the larger circle of experience to see how lessons can be applied in kind. Your poetry is never moralizing. It is more matter of fact. As if to say this is what I know, use these understandings as they best suit. Perhaps in how we find ourselves reading, we discover something deeper about ourselves. If that is what we seek. Alternatively we can just enjoy your craft. I always think deeply when I visit your page. You are a great poet, Jacob.

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

You have given this poem and me a very kind review, Eilis.
Yes, this is what I know...or thin.. read more
Eilis

1 Year Ago

Being a writer is a magical experience, yes. Glad I could share something meaningful, Jacob.

Share This
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Request Read Request
Add to Library My Library
Subscribe Subscribe


Stats

249 Views
5 Reviews
Shelved in 1 Library
Added on May 26, 2022
Last Updated on May 26, 2022

Author

jacob erin-cilberto
jacob erin-cilberto

Carbondale, IL



About
Originally from Bronx, NY, I live in Carbondale, Illinois...teach English at a community college and have been writing and publishing poetry since 1970. I am here to read for inspiration from other po.. more..

Writing