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Comes Then a Day

Evening comes softly, stealing colors of day—
a rainbow of hues, fading slowly to gray.

Ten thousand days, seeking fortune and fame,
and ten thousand more, all in all just the same.

The dreams of my dad; the hopes of my mom
rest squarely on me, now that they’re gone.

The world swirls around me, alive and decaying.
Who’s in charge of it all? Who’s fasting? Who’s praying?

I kneel at life's altar of hope and despair.
The truth and its witness are already there.

I’ve won a choice few and damn all the rest.
Did I give it my all? Did I give it my best?

Now verdict’s been rendered; the court’s had its say.
Its verdict my shroud; its mercy my stay.

1st Place, Your Favorite Old Poem, Judy Konos

Copyright © Mark Peterson | Year Posted 2013

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Constance La France Date: 12/16/2018 9:23:00 AM Mark, congratulations on having your wonderful write selected as a Featured Poem this week, enjoy the honor ~ Login to Reply

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 1/9/2018 11:40:00 PM This is beautiful Mark. It proves we are indeed kindred spirits. A Fave! : ) Login to Reply

Robert Lindley Date: 8/14/2014 9:56:00 AM Gave this one a solid 7.... and adding to my fav list Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 8/14/2014 10:46:00 AM Well then, 7 is my lucky number!

Robert Lindley Date: 8/14/2014 9:55:00 AM I always dig into the past works of poets I admire my friend. A habit I have and enjoy indulging in. This write did resonate with me in a very big way.. Crackin'..... Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 8/14/2014 10:44:00 AM Robert, I didn't realize that you had already read and commented on this one long ago. I'm so glad it pleased you up re-read.

Robert Lindley Date: 6/8/2014 2:12:00 PM A fascinating and wonderfully inspirational write my friend.. Congrats on a well deserved 1st place win!!!!!!!! Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 6/8/2014 9:36:00 PM Thank you Robert. I appreciate your digging down into some of my earlier work, and your remarks are gratifying.

Robin Davis Date: 1/22/2014 8:41:00 PM Mark This is a very deep and emotional write. Gives the reader questions to answer and lets them see what's in your heart and soul. Nice job Thanks for the nice comment on my Emma poem. It is for a contest. Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 8/14/2014 10:48:00 AM Robin, I see I am remiss and should have returned thanks for your comment long ago. Sometimes I mess up but appreciate it all the more upon finally reading it.

Mandy Tams The Golden Girl Date: 12/13/2013 4:43:00 AM Hi Mark, congratulations on your win xx Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 12/13/2013 1:30:00 PM Thanks, GG. You too did well with your Boy poem-- read and commented on already. Thank for coming by.

Dr.Ram Mehta Date: 12/13/2013 1:32:00 AM Enjoyed the poem and congrats, Mark Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 12/13/2013 2:30:00 AM Thank you very much, Dr. Ram. I so appreciate the time you spend supporting all the poets here on the soup. You are indefatigable!

Joseph May Date: 12/12/2013 7:44:00 PM great write Mark...congrats on the win Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 12/13/2013 2:32:00 AM Joseph, I'm fortunate to have you as a follower of my poetry. I can't believe the effort you put in helping to keep poets of minor regard (myself) in good spirits, so we keep on writing.

Judy Konos Date: 12/12/2013 12:33:00 PM All the poetry submitted was heartfelt. From love throughout life to love in the depths of death with reflections of nature. You are all deserving First Place Winners and I thank you for entering your favorites in my contest. Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 12/12/2013 8:15:00 PM Thanks for hosting the contest, Judy. I so appreciate having been considered and placed.

Tawona Mzila Ranganawa Date: 11/12/2013 7:07:00 AM Now there is someone that writes like me. A true poet indeed Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 11/12/2013 9:11:00 AM Tawona, I appreciate your taking the time to find my little rhyme, and to offer such peasant remarks about it, I posted some quatrains and other unusual rhymes that you might like as well. I[m going over to check your rhymes now!!

Ilene Bauer Date: 11/5/2013 6:16:00 AM a wonderful poem, beautifully written with some intriguing questions raised. i thoroughly enjoyed this one and am glad to have found your work on the site. Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 11/6/2013 5:53:00 PM Wow, Ilene. You're going down my list. I'm falling a bit behind with my read of others--a circumstance I'll soon remedy. In the meantime, THANKS!

Just That Archaic Poet Date: 10/28/2013 11:57:00 AM I rather enjoyed this piece, Mark, especially the second couplet. I would change the line to "and ten thousand more, all just the same" (it evens out the beat and flow). All in all, great piece; kudos and thanks for sharing :) Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 11/2/2013 11:57:00 AM I personally enjoy a helpful and polite critique; others are not so accepting and wish only to hear nothing but praise. I like to know if something in one of my poems doesn't work and I welcome suggestions. Again, I think you are extremely talented and I have enjoyed every poem by you that I've read :) Mark Peterson Date: 10/28/2013 10:16:00 PM Thanks for the comments, received with gratitude. I agree with your suggestion and made the change. I wasn't certain, if that sort of thing was in good form here but nice to know, as I see things with others' poetry as well. Good luck with your poetry, which I'll visit soon. Mark