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Where Once Stood Man

What is it that our
vaunted intellect supposedly conveys?
That benefits the air and sea, 
summits, life and
broad expanse of land?
Now

Suppose that we 
at some stark moment
vanished one and all—
adjoined by all
matter and assemblage from
our forced and plundered reign?

In absence then of everything
we pillaged and proclaimed 
would air be rent
by thunderous noise
of mighty rivers
returning to their courses. 

Resumed the growth of forests,
near vanished and forlorn,
and healed all the
wounds and scars
that marred 
Earth's sacred skin.

Then floating in the
cold and barren void,
this supernal sapphire jewel:
eternal haven of
innocence and peace.
We would not be missed.

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Lawrence Sharp

Date: 7/23/2018 1:30:00 AM

Monumental. An instant favourite.

Mark Peterson
Date: 10/16/2018 12:46:00 AM

Lawrence, I'm late seeing your lovely comment. Deeply appreciated. It fills my heart with gratitude.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 6/26/2018 7:38:00 AM

This is a beautiful homage to mother earth in her former glory, before man in his infinate wisdom began building dams, clear cutting, oil spills, fracking etc. Native Americans who lived in harmony with the earth tried to teach us how to take without destroying. All those memories flood back when I read your words. This is exquisite Mark! I am making it a fave as well. : )

Mark Peterson
Date: 7/21/2018 10:06:00 PM

It started when some of us were told that we were in charge of things and then didn't make it abundantly clear that grave responsibilities and accountability accompanied it. How will those of noble mind ever prevail?

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 4/22/2018 12:49:00 PM

wow, this is STUNNING. Makes us feel like those "grains of sand" that we are. FAVE (I enjoyed what you said about solitude. I am number seven in numerology, the number of solitude and those who pursue knowledge. Maybe it's your number too!)

Mark Peterson
Date: 4/22/2018 1:42:00 PM

Grains of sand is nice. I was thinking more of drops flung at random on the universal toilet seat, but that’s just me. Thanks, Andrea