the semantics of being

the semantics of being

A Poem by jacob erin-cilberto

the semantics of being

 

 

 

 

as the distance expanded itself

the we became me

 

and the you departed

the us a little engine

leaking oil

 

a cigarette out on the porch

you inside on a cell

lamenting to a friend

 

the miles became the we

driven away by two pronouns

that were never quite able

 

to replace the nouns

that once loved

being in a sentence together

as compound subjects.

 

 

erin-cilberto

11/22/63

© 2023 jacob erin-cilberto


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Reviews

Nicely nicington, sir worderator.
Love the journey from then to now, via us, you and she.
Thanks for making me smile this not so fine brrr morning Jacob.

Posted 5 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

5 Months Ago

thank you, Lorry.
j.
Felt every word 💔 Thank you ❤

Posted 5 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

5 Months Ago

Thank you, Marina. Glad you could.
j.
This is very good. I recall much more clearly the distance the ex-wife and I had between us in retrospect than I did while I was the one out on the porch. ~Jim

Posted 5 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

5 Months Ago

I felt that distance...
Thanks, Jim,
j.
Poetry is the best way to sneak up on an emotion.

Posted 5 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

5 Months Ago

I like that...yes to sneak up on an emotion.
j.
Really liked the metaphors in this one. Even the most intense relationships will disintegrate if not nourished.

Posted 5 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

5 Months Ago

Thank you John...and yes..something like Friar Lawrence said in R and J..."Violent delights meet vio.. read more
I’m constantly amazed how well you weave a tale from the mechanics of our shared language. A+ teach.

Winston

Posted 5 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

5 Months Ago

Thank you, Winston....so, this time I don't need to do extra credit.
j.
W. Barrett Munn

5 Months Ago

It can never hurt to do extra credit, though. :-)
Distance spells danger. It grows so easily. Poignant write of what was not to be. You can be in the same room and feel the distance acutely. Felt the sadness here J.

Chris

Posted 5 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

5 Months Ago

And that is true loneliness...Thank you, Chris.
j.
Your work reminded me of the creativity in the English penway, the use of grammar and fun in composing verses can inspire many creative works to be born. As for the work itself, it is such a distillation of common feelings, like a soul being trained until it sparks, like a rough stone being smoothened by the river currents, to perfect one's mind, soul and feelings to the degree of an artisan, to convey thoughts in the most fluid way. So perfectly refined and styled, a reminiscing and educated read. It has been long since I last read a work that is so tenderly close to my feelings with such fluid depths.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful work, author Jacob.

Posted 5 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

5 Months Ago

Thank you for your extensive review, Stu,
j.
this is poignant and intelligent. i love the analogy

Posted 5 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

5 Months Ago

Thank you, nodding,
j.
I Studied all this in High School where we diagramed sentences with Emotion like a Roller Coaster … we were thrilled! Now Winter is setting in and our Engine is Still; however, our Smiles are Headlights on Bright! Wishing you a safe trip through Wonderland into the New Year 2024. gently, Pat

Posted 5 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

5 Months Ago

Me too...so much diagramming...I actually enjoyed it.
thanks, Pat,
j.
Patricia Wedel

5 Months Ago

Yes, it helps to understand the structure of Conversation. Our teacher Mrs. Plymire taught English .. read more

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Added on November 26, 2023
Last Updated on November 26, 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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