Falling Behind

Falling Behind

 

 

i scribbled your name

a thousand times

on the blackboard of my heart

 

punishment or affection?

when i tried to erase

it felt permanent

 

the demerits accrued

we had promise

but i failed at love

 

and you graduated

wearing your tassel

for someone else.

 

 

erin-cilberto

4/13/25

Reviews

[redzone]

Not only do we write their name on the blackboard a thousand times (or more), we write them poetry as well, reminding ourselves of both our fall and our failure when it comes to love. I think the answer to the question you pose (punishment or affection) is both. But when we look back, we can't help but fall in love, but often we lament how we have failed, especially with the one we thought would be permanent. Loved the poem Jacob, it hit very close to home.
-Curt

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, failures aren't fun...I know from experience...I have a lot to erase.
thank you for your review,
j.

[A.H.]

too good.. just fabulous to read you always, j. the poetry, the images here and so beautiful. the heart always finds it hard to erase, so the mind always steps in with a logic and a reason to help. hopefully, we love more and let go of pain, but it's a hard bargain. thanks for this wonderful piece of poetry here.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for appreciating my work, A.H....
j.

[Amanda Reynolds]

I just love the imagery and poetry that you used to tell your story through a poem- one that so many can relate to- youth and heartbreak was what I connected with. Thank you for this (the first and last stanzas are so relatable and unforgettable)...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind review, Amanda,
j.

[Beren]

My God. I really don't know what to say. I just read each of your poems with a separate admiration and it is written so beautifully that I even love how painful this poem is for me. A real poem from a real poet.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind words, Beren,
j.

[Vol]

Jacob,
Ph, man I almost want to ask ir you, too, knew Claudia...
Vol

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I did know a Claudia....my best dance partner ever...
She passed years ago...
j.

[John the Baptist]

Ah yes, the ones that got away. They are the ones that made the greatest impression, that we longed for the longest, and who in the end cast their lots with others. Some disappointments stay with us far down the road.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, and sometimes circumstances move fate in a certain way.
thank you, John,
j.

[Patricia]

I used to feel this way, a few times over, but I got lucky and found someone who let me write his name in permanent ink on that blackboard, I don't know what I did to deserve him but I must have done something right. Nevertheless, before him, I can totally relate to this write, good thing they didn't work out. :) great writing when a reader can relate and draw on memories and see that you are where you should be. Love it.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I really appreciate your response...makes me feel that there are some achievements in my life.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

How cruel love can be, especially when it continues to haunt us long after the let down. First stanza, truly tells the depth of feeling.

punishment or affection? What a question. A poem of sadness, such beautiful expression in your lines j.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you so much for your words, Chris.
j.

[Desert Knave]

Wow. Immediately my thoughts go to a married friend I once proposed to. Strong writing. ~Jim

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Jim.
j.

[Katrina Mckeown]

J this sad but it is beautiful..

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Katrina.
j.