learning the last lesson

learning the last lesson

A Poem by jacob erin-cilberto

learning the last lesson

 

 

you drifted into silent wood

six years to this day

 

my name a flicker in your memory

I spoke to you while you slept

 

no reply

but I know you were there

I heard birds

whisper

reflections of your life

 

I felt the tremor in the windswept trees

your voice only an imagined inspiration

as I wrote your poem

 

and you read it in the eternal dream

that summed up 

a final page or two

we shared.

 

 

erin-cilberto

3/3/23

© 2023 jacob erin-cilberto


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Reviews

dear Jacob… many last lessons in a Lifetime of Love and Survival…. Understanding Human Nature… I still struggle, but as the years go by.. I become more aware that we are here to share and experience emotions of Wisdom passed down like falling Stars after thunder and lightening enter our atmosphere. Be Brave and enjoy the Breeze of the Sea where mighty Waves bring romantic Rhapsodies… my friend. Pat

Posted 7 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

7 Months Ago

Great words from you, Pat...
thank you,
j.
Jacob,

It is very sad to see relationships go awry and come grinding to a halt's end ... I do hope that I have assessed you message's meaning correctly, and, yet, I hope I have not, for I would rather you inform me that there remains light at the end of the proverbial tunnel ... Very profound and thought provoking lines from you heart to mine, and all those so kind as to read your, always, excellent Poetry ...

Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

you are definitely in league with where I was going with this...
thank you for your understan.. read more
This is the most breathtaking poem I have ever read on a departed loved one...I have no words to express my wonderment of your great pen. Kudos, dear Jacob.

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

you are very kind, divya,
thank you,
j.
DIVYA

1 Year Ago

You're welcome always ⚘
This is poignant with understated grief. It almost feels like it was written to a parent rather than a lover; like it's an attempt to understand a life that fed our own but we were not formally privy to, if that makes sense. When I was a kid adults didn't share much with their children about grown up things. Dad was a combat veteran but never spoke of the war. Mother was all about caring and nurturing. We never took account of how she felt, her dreams or joys. It's sad in retrospect. I enjoyed the read.

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

thank you for your words, Fabian,
j.
"my name a flicker in your memory"

That line haunts me in clever ways.
Great job Jacob.

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

thank you, duff,
j.
Well, this one threads that needle of a serious conversation "as I wrote your poem" ...about a billion and one things come to mind but I hear this silence inside of me listening and just appreciating. I could take it line to line but ..in the end, a softer side is revealed in this one, more than usual. Kinda nice as I hear the birds as well.

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

i appreciate your insights, Perdition,
j.
Fave lines here Jacob
I heard birds
whisper
reflections of your life

And

I felt the tremor in the windswept trees
your voice only an imagined inspiration
as I wrote your poem


Beautiful poem

Hope you well




Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

thank you, Julie...and yes, doing much better...
j.
Faith is the only bond left when one leaves and the other is still here.

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

good point, Relic...for sure.
Poem as representation and so nicely constructed. I wonder if our words die or go on.

Winston

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

we can only hope they go on, but who knows, eh?
thank you, Winston,
j.
A sincere memory of a fond person... you speak of many things you shared, i.e. poetry; Your words are profound; even though you only hear the birds, those whispers are dear to you....you felt this person by the windswept trees and refection of her/his life.....all this in your own imagination....lovely choice of words, bittersweet.....
Best, B

Posted 1 Year Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

1 Year Ago

thank you, Betty...he was a really good man....
j.
Betty Hermelee

1 Year Ago

I'm sure from your portrayal...
You're welcome J.
Best, B

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Added on March 5, 2023
Last Updated on March 5, 2023

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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