Home » Poems » Mark Peterson » Fade To Black

Fade To Black

FADE TO BLACK My life it seems has had its share of shining moments, recalled with fondness when some achievement let me stand awhile inside the light. But when the bulb more faintly burned, and shadows ruled the day instead. Then it was that I have seen the rabid horde rush to steal the fading rays and claim that it was they who once before had kindled the amazing spark and more than once obtained the praise. And so my trophies gather dust and tarnish high upon my victory shelf— wilted blooms of a forget-me-not life, which no one seems to remember.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Lenny Gazbowski

Date: 4/19/2016 1:33:00 PM

A sadly enchanting write.

Mark Peterson
Date: 4/19/2016 1:46:00 PM

Lenny, it's always a treat when someone drill down to the bottom of the well to read my earliest post. I appreciate it. Vladislav Raven sent a comment on this poem only a month ago. If you found it sad and enchanting, then the poem achieved its purpose, as it draws from personal experience.

Vladislav Raven

Date: 3/12/2016 10:02:00 AM

Hi Mark, i always try to read through peoples work for you can really find some missing gems. I always like to start from the first poem on the page. I like to see the progression of people's work. I do Love to read emotional poetry Mark. I have not been disappointed with your first Mark. I like the flow of your thoughts as they are painted onto the canvas of your vision. I have enjoyed perusing your words and thoughts. This write is a definite seven Mark. The message is so clear....Vlad.

Mark Peterson
Date: 3/12/2016 11:48:00 AM

Vlad, wonderful of you to peruse my older work. This one is poetry of catharsis: thoughts that surround difficult emotions and poems that help to manage affairs of the heart, easing the strain. I hope your day is fair and mild.

Keith Bickerstaffe

Date: 2/18/2016 8:48:00 PM

Cleverly constructed ~ two quatrains surrounding a seven-line verse... There is an internal flow to the piece, and your language once again is so skillfully employed. BRAVO my friend! Best wishes, Keith

Mark Peterson
Date: 2/18/2016 10:31:00 PM

Thanks, this was, as you see, my first attempt on the Soup. I am gratified that it has been so well received, even at the bottom of the list, still sought out.

Lucilla Carrillo

Date: 2/19/2014 11:39:00 PM

A great poem that I enjoyed reading. I bet that plenty of people will remember. Welcome to Poetry Soup..... Lucilla

Mark Peterson
Date: 2/20/2014 1:27:00 AM

How kind of you to drop down to the bottom of my list of poems, Lucilla. I wish people would do this more often.

Roy Jerden

Date: 1/24/2014 10:08:00 PM

I saw Fade to Black and Stones on your list and I'm thinking hard rock bands. No, I see. I have read several of your poems. You have great command of the meter for sure. I liked the flow of the words a lot as well as the content. Yep, been there, done that. Doesn't take much to trip up a fake though. They can't explain the details.

Mark Peterson
Date: 1/25/2014 12:11:00 AM

Wow, Roy, thanks for focusing in on the 'details' bit. When the original is not around, the mimics have an easier time. I must remember to question them on details. Inciteful comments, and your visit to the bottom of my list is much appreciated.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/15/2013 9:56:00 AM

I thought i would come back to see your first post and it's a dandy. Wasn't there some song called Fade to Black? or something like that? This has such a sad feeling wrapped inside it. Kind of like I have been feeling this year with all our bad luck, hubbie and I!!! I relate more and more to the sad poems.

Mark Peterson
Date: 12/15/2013 12:48:00 PM

Andrea, nice of you to return to the beginning for a look at this 'old' poem. I think I'll change the last stanza a bit to make it even sadder. The more emotion we put into our poetry, the more it helps us to deal with the issues that perhaps prompted the poem in the first place. More in a SoupMail.

Sandra Adams

Date: 11/3/2013 12:58:00 PM

at times we shine within the light, other times we hide in the darkness and regain our strength and shine brighter than before...nice first poem on the soup :) congrats on having it featured!

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 11/2/2013 11:13:00 PM

Mark, .:-) Congratulations on having your poem featured on the HOME PAGE.... always~ LINDA