faulty towers

faulty towers

 

 

 

proudly wearing,

his garbage dump trench coat

 

shuffling down the slanted avenue

a Frisco hobo elated

his thirst sated

he is bereaved by the empty glass

he looks through his life

it's on empty

 

but his thirst sated

his dinner has no home

he is just skin and bone

and empty throat now

 

he takes a bow

ducks into his cardboard palace

the king of nothing

but a fading smile

 

a Cadillac passes by in the distance

silently stalking Nob Hill

in the dark

Champagne in the back seat

greenbacks exchanging hands

a woman obliges

 

Jewels adorn

the cardboard palace

eventually catches scent

the body rots away

wrapped in yesterday's headlines

 

the Caddy's in the shop now

parts and labor

empty cartons thrown into the dumpster

a new home for a new hobo

extended family

 

the streets map out lives

the real palaces stand aloof

there is no royalty

in the royalty

just closed doors.

 

 

erin-cilberto

6/20/22

Reviews

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

A great poem Jacob or should I say another great one ☝️
It shows the increasing plight of homelessness in the world and the rich get richer

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Julie,
j.

[JE Falcon]

I am blown away by some of the images, thanks :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, JE,
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Some cracking good lines here J.

he is bereaved by the empty glass

The difference between the have and the have nots. There but for the grace of God go I. This could happen to each one of us and that should never be forgotten. Compassion please I say for those without a home.

When you hit rock bottom the smallest things can bring you a glimpse of light.

A great piece of writing dear friend.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Chris.
j.

[redzone]

so much could, maybe should be said about this poem Jacob.... your pen is sharp and cutting, exposing some of the reality of a class/caste society... a society that chews up and casts aside so many of its citizens.... it is amazing the life stories of many of these "hobos", done in by wars, economy and many other factors.... one of the most intellectual people I have met was a beggar on the corner of Broad and Spring Garden sts. in Philly.... anyway, I love your poem Jacob it's on time and much needed...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your very kind review, Curt,
j.

[Temperance]

We never know how life's occurrences will impact us. We may have it all one day and then, nothing the next. If we are grateful for what we have, a cardboard hut can be our palace. Sad that some lives go unnoticed. Sad that families may have relatives who live on the street and do nothing for them. Another thought-provoking piece Mr. J. Very nice. Temp

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your insightful response, Temperance.
j.

[Temperance]

You’re welcome.

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Jacob,

Hast thou been sneak reading some of my hidden poetry and not so short short stories ... LOL! ... Laughing at such a thought, but not laughing at that heartbreaking reality of that which you have shared, I can and do relate to every line of this excellent piece of poetry, as I have known, in my personal life, what it is to be homeless, and to have nothing ... That experience made me a better and wiser man ...

Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your understanding words, Marvin,
j.

[Patricia Wedel]

A Tent is a Palace in Napa Valley where Grapes grow like Manna from Heaven … is a Saving Grace. Gently, Pat

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Amen, Pat, Amen.
j.