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A Tiny Speck

Close your eyes
and make legs wander.  
See time pass; 
then let mind ponder.

Each effect
has its own cause.
We're not immune
to nature's laws. 

Moments ahead
or seconds behind—
clearly seen
or totally blind. 

A tiny speck
denies our breath;
then tips the balance
towards life or death.

For Coronavirus COVID-19 Poetry Contest

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Lawrence Sharp

Date: 4/22/2020 8:14:00 AM

Great write, Mark, incisive and very well expressed.

Winged Warrior

Date: 4/8/2020 5:21:00 AM

Excellent entry my friend...for such a tiny speck that can wreak havoc...stay safe...the Wingster :o)

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 4/2/2020 10:52:00 PM

Great! Especially last verse!

Mark Peterson
Date: 4/2/2020 11:51:00 PM

Thank you so much, Kim. Nice comment for me.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/28/2020 3:12:00 PM

Yessss. now THIS is a great poem on the theme, Mark!!! I like how you pondered it so thoughfully and succinctly. By the way, can you do me a favor and tell me if I should enter my most recent poem on the virus (Hard Time for a Crook) or the other one you liked so much of mine? I just can't seem to be profound on this topic.

Mark Peterson
Date: 3/28/2020 8:15:00 PM

There are 250 entries to this contest, so I guess high placement would be miraculous. There are so many excellent poets here. Thanks for your kind remarks of acknowledgment for the very things I was trying to achieve. This is one of those that wrote itself; the words just flowed into my mind. I hope you will give the contest a try.

Harry Horsman

Date: 3/15/2020 12:45:00 AM

I wonder if this is about the virus?,,excellent poetry standing alone. great poem, love it...

Mark Peterson
Date: 3/15/2020 6:56:00 PM

Thank you, Harry. I have noted now that it is for the contest. Your remarks are appreciated and give me hope.

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 3/14/2020 2:54:00 PM

So profoundly insightful, Mark, especially like the line 'clearly seen/or totally blind' - life can be dangerous but also beautiful-

Mark Peterson
Date: 3/15/2020 6:57:00 PM

Michelle, I can always count on you for thoughtful remarks. So much appreciated and timely.