Mark Peterson Poet Quatrain

A Dream Too Far Distant

Night revolves in stillness,
reaching for the dawn.
Orion, Taurus and the Dogs,
yield to Deneb and the Swan.

And there in deep south rising,
a blood-tinged, pulsing heart,
Antares, stinger and the claws:
celestial works of art.

But now comes an intruder
amid Scorpius’ vivid stars,
for Antares is but mere rival
to the dazzling orb of Mars.

In dreams I've often wandered
and traversed empty space—
through darkest matter I have roamed,
yet yearned for just one place.

Its icy poles I’ve glimpsed from earth—
winds and saffron dust—
iron from exploded suns
gathered there as rust.

I’m sure I’d miss the color green—
long for skies of blue.
But brand new memories I’d espouse
forgetting hues I knew.

Alas, I'm tethered to the earth—
can’t travel into space.
So in twenty, maybe thirty years,
won’t you please go in my place?

1st Place, Mars Contest

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Connie Marcum Wong January 14, 2016 at 4:08 AM I am back to re-read this beauty Peter. I hope you are well. May your poetry muse visit you soon. You are such a talented poet. I love reading anything you write! #7 Aloha, Connie Mark Peterson February 14, 2016 at 12:01 AM Thanks, Connie, for sticking with me. I have posted (finally) a couple of new ones that I hope you'll read. Hopefully, I have found a way to return.

Richard Lamoureux August 21, 2015 at 7:45 AM This is fantastic! I am a Star Trek fan and have imagined traveling to far off planets so I relate to this piece. Mark Peterson August 22, 2015 at 1:35 PM Well, as has been said, everything you need to know can be learned from Star Trek. Thanks, Richard. Glad you liked it.

Roy Jerden August 17, 2015 at 3:10 PM Great work, Mark. I particularly liked how you referenced the constellations. First a clue for the cognoscenti, then clarification for the less well-versed. My boyhood readings were filled with SF stories of Mars, from Asimov, Heinlein, and of course Edgar Rice Burroughs. Congratulations on the placement. Mark Peterson August 22, 2015 at 1:41 PM Heinlein and Asimov I particularly recall. In later years, but long ago now, I adapted a Fred Pohl short story, 'The Martian Stargazers,' to a planetarium program. He was delighted. The central theme was the belief in Martian Society that all was well as long as the 'Breather' (Delta Cephei) lay sleeping. Then one day, he awoke, and society was rent asunder. Thanks for your comments.

Connie Marcum Wong August 2, 2015 at 2:05 AM This is such a wonderful poem Mark. Congratulations on your wonderful win with this amazing poem! Wish you would post it at PFT too! I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday today August 2nd. I hope this birthday is your happiest ever! I am fav'ing this beauty. 7 Hugs, Connie Mark Peterson August 7, 2015 at 12:28 AM Connie, just getting around to answering you. Sorry for the delay because I am always so honored when poets of such caliber as yourself stop to take notice. You are so special to me in every way, and your Jacquie Lawson was precious. Marci and I spent so many wonderful years sailing.

Dr. Upma A. Sharma July 27, 2015 at 1:11 AM Congrats on ur wonderful top place winning write Mark! Mark Peterson July 31, 2015 at 11:03 AM Upma, I'm pleased you enjoyed this piece, and thanks for your praise.

Viv Wigley July 26, 2015 at 11:39 PM Beautifully written and a worthy topster, Mark, well done. Regards, Viv Mark Peterson July 31, 2015 at 11:03 AM Viv, I'm honored to occupy a place of such esteem with you. Thanks

Skat A July 26, 2015 at 4:50 PM Mark, Congratulations on your MARS win :) **SKAT** Mark Peterson July 31, 2015 at 11:04 AM Thank you, Skat. Thank you so much.

Jan Allison July 26, 2015 at 12:09 PM What an amazing gift Mark - not only the telescope which you still treasure but in your creativity in this wonderful poem - congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx Mark Peterson July 31, 2015 at 11:06 AM Seeing your name and avatar always brightens my life, Jan. It's hard to get noticed here.

Carol Eastman July 26, 2015 at 9:57 AM Bravo! I loved it! Congrats on the win, Mark Peterson July 31, 2015 at 11:05 AM I'm so gratified to receiver your remarks. Thanks a lot!

Robert Lindley July 22, 2015 at 3:59 PM Just back to read again my friend. This is a gem.. Mark Peterson July 31, 2015 at 11:04 AM You're welcome here any time, Robert.

Robert Lindley July 18, 2015 at 6:37 PM A solid 7 and thanks... Mark Peterson July 18, 2015 at 7:03 PM Robert: I can always count on you to support my poetry. This means a lot.

Robert Lindley July 18, 2015 at 6:35 PM A truly great poem my friend. A true pleasure to read and eye opening experience to fine I too this-- "In dreams I've often wandered and traversed empty space— through darkest matter I have roamed, yet yearned for just one place." A7, bravo!

Kelly Deschler July 17, 2015 at 9:35 PM I really enjoyed this wonderful quatrain poem, Mark. It has a nice flow and rhyme, and the imagery is amazing!... If this is for the contest, I wish you the best of luck! Mark Peterson July 17, 2015 at 11:20 PM Oh, Kelly, thanks so much. You've always been such a kind supporter of my poems. Yes, I wrote it for the contest and titled it as such, but no one was reading it, so I changed the name.