undressing the walls

undressing the walls

A Poem by jacob erin-cilberto

undressing the walls



it was a small room in my mind
shag carpet, worn deep
poetic fibers, once soft 
full of lush sentiment

now stiff and abrasive
the room feels smaller
confining
the overhead light
exposing too much of me
what I resent others to see

I want to rip up the carpet
write on bare floors
to which nothing is permanent
it can be relaquered 
reinvented over and over
waxed for waning wordplay

it is time to empty the room
or pass it on 
one last look in the drawers
in case 
I left a potential thought
in one of them.

maybe under a damp kerchief
tears impelled me to use
one-too-many times
when the pen lost its 
ability to emote.


erin-cilberto
8/5/22

© 2022 jacob erin-cilberto


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I can't help but wonder what that room in my own mind might look like, pretty sure the carpet has stains and a stink I've gone nose-blind to. Probably spray-painted some dumb s**t on the wall I thought was cool at the time. It is a great poem that can launch the reader into contemplation. This is a terrific concept executed perfectly.

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

you know what, Trice?
you might find something on that wall that you spray painted that could.. read more
I loved this poem, Jacob.
"it is time to empty the room
or pass it on
one last look in the drawers
in case
I left a potential thought
in one of them."
I understood the above lines. Hard to escape the memories. Damn mind make us revisit. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote



Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

yes, impossible to escape...thank you, John,
j.
Coyote Poetry

1 Year Ago

They do and you are welcome, Jacob.
Sounds like the desire for a mental makeover, maybe a poet's longing to move on from the longstanding sources of his inspiration. Might be a good idea, a chance to seek newer muses. Wouldn't rip up all the carpet, though. Some things that worked in the past will continue to work, and it would be a shame to consign them to the dumpster prematurely.

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

You do have a point there, John.
thank you for your insight...
j.
I really like this Jacob
I recall my next door neighbours had the groovy house in the 70 s shag pile and timber beams we had the old faded floral worn and old furniture as we lived with grandfather
Enjoyed the write and understood your poem

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

thank you for your kind review, Julie,
j.
Your poem here is more atmospheric than ever. Your constantly giving us better and better metaphors in poems that only get better themselves. There’s a sense of many emotions here. Sadness, nostalgia, anger. Wanting to rip up the carpet is such a specific feeling- it takes a certain kind of resentment and pain to wanna destroy things. This poem feels like that moment for a poet when nothing seemed to give, or deliver inspiration. I loved this piece and felt it deeply. Thank you for sharing.

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

thank you for your very kind words, Vertigo...
j.
The juxtapositions in this piece are fascinating and I realize as I read that whoever wrote these words needs some serious psychological help or is a poet-but I repeat myself. :-)
W.

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

yes, probably both...
thank you, Winston,
j.
This is a wonderful write. It reminded me of an artist friend's table in their home. It had drawings and bits of poetry all over it, written and drawn right on the wood until the entirety was covered. Then it had been sealed with poly giving it an antique yellow hue. It was awesome! She has a Master's of fine arts and lives with my nephew who is also an artist and teaches art at UNC Wilmington. I certainly hope they never strip the table and reinvent it but they are artists and so there's no guarantee that might not have already happened. I went to a house warming thrown for them when they moved in together by a local Arts Council. It was a uniquely Bohemian experience, lots of food, tubs of imported beer, a Colombian guitarist performing in one room, a live painting exhibition in another, people from all over the world. I met a young man from Turkiye, near Istanbul and we had the best conversation. It was a night to remember. Several asked what medium I worked in. (it seems everyone there was an artist) I said, words. I'm just a poet. You won't believe the effect that had on the crowd, they all gravitated towards me and had great interest in my work. It was wonderful. I never felt so accepted and "at home" in a crowd. I generally hate crowds. Thanks for reminding me of a special evening and bringing me a smile. I always enjoy reading your work.

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

you are not "just a poet" you are an artist with the words you use to paint vivid descriptions.
read more
Fabian G. Franklin

1 Year Ago

You are too kind but so appreciated, my friend. I wish we could meet some day and just share a day t.. read more
jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

I have no choice but to write, but thank you for saying that, Fabian...and yes, how delightful it wo.. read more
Outdated, and holding you back, but sometimes it's hard to cast off and make new beginnings....
Of course the good memories will not be lost , they go with you to your new destination and the old walls will also take up a new perspective..

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

thank you for your kind words, Stella,
j.
Finding a thought in one of the drawers is a lovely idea built here. A reminder of how so many things one cares to bring to mind may continue to contain one's thoughts. Even those one cares to forget will still be there. Nice thoughts here, J

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

I really appreciate your words, Andrew,
j.

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Added on August 5, 2022
Last Updated on August 5, 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..

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