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I Stand Here

I stand here, spinning rhyme; child of destiny, soul of time. Born on this benighted sphere; Absent grasp of why I'm here. Summoned by a distant voice; made aware of surfeit’s choice. Confusion reigns, coruscant light; alone I stand in abject plight. I am static, prey of change; I abhor the constant rearrange. Portrait of all I abjure; life a schism to endure. Thus I let my spirit soar, for I am meant for so much more.

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Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/22/2018 6:26:00 PM

I just love this!! I don't know what placement you got with it, but it was a well deserved win, Mark

Mark Peterson
Date: 10/22/2018 6:30:00 PM

Thanks, Andrea. I’m always grateful for your comments on my work. I placed 9th in the contest.

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 10/22/2018 1:43:00 PM

Our place in the universe is a source of consternation, but your place as a poet is very clear. Congratulations on your win, Mark!

Mark Peterson
Date: 10/22/2018 6:38:00 PM

Thanks, Carolyn. Your comment made me proud of my work, and now I’m resting peacefully in afterglow.

Line Gauthier

Date: 10/21/2018 9:53:00 PM

Congrats on your win, Mark.

Mark Peterson
Date: 10/22/2018 6:41:00 PM

What joy to see your name here. I’m delighted with your comment.

John Lawless

Date: 10/21/2018 9:02:00 PM

Ah, the words, the vocabulary in the hands of the poet, raised to art.

Mark Peterson
Date: 10/22/2018 6:57:00 PM

John, I can only say that heretofor, I have attempted poetry. How humbling to me now that what you said hints that when I’m alone, underneath my breath, I might dare to call myself a poet. I’ll never this...or you either.

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 10/21/2018 12:29:00 AM

Quite impressive vocabulary, love rarely used words like 'surfeit' 'abhor' and 'schism' (going to have to look up 'coruscant', that's a new one!) Congratulations on placing in the contest!

Mark Peterson
Date: 10/21/2018 5:49:00 PM

Thank you, Michelle. Of course vocabulary is useful when pertinent, but on the street, it's often considered impertinent. Thank goodness for poetry; however, once a poet commented that he didn't like needing a dictionary at hand when reading poetry. I marveled at this. Imagine: a poet that didn't want to learn new words. You might enjoy my poem "Tethered By Life." Best to you.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 10/20/2018 8:23:00 PM

Would make a lovely oration booming in voice! Though suffering, you still see you are meant for so much more! Congrats, Mark!

Mark Peterson
Date: 10/21/2018 5:52:00 PM

Thanks, Kim. Alas, I'm a second tenor, and I seldom 'Boom' since life has counseled me to be mild. Thank you so much for commenting. I wish you the best.

Charlie Smith

Date: 10/20/2018 9:48:00 AM

A brilliant piece Mark, I'm so happy to get acquainted. I'll be back for more...

Harry Horsman

Date: 10/8/2018 7:06:00 AM

Oh how true your poem rings, and sings into my mind, i'm with you all the way with this gem...

Mark Peterson
Date: 10/12/2018 4:30:00 PM

Harry, thanks. I read several of your poems and one can only aspire to heights you have reached. I am so pleased and honored to hear a few thoughts from your mind’s express.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 10/8/2018 4:41:00 AM

Change is the inevitable, the constant we must all face. I fight it at times but I always lose. Another gem to keep tucked away. Wonderful Mark! : )

Mark Peterson
Date: 10/12/2018 4:26:00 PM

Change is a process, not an event. Yet I’ve formed myself on different ways, though I am still obdurate. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.

Lawrence Sharp

Date: 10/8/2018 12:21:00 AM

'I am static, prey of change'... I can identify with this all too closely, perhaps for different reasons, perhaps for similar reasons. Very poetic and artfully expressed, as always.

Mark Peterson
Date: 10/8/2018 12:29:00 AM

You make my day. As I drift off to sleep, what comfort you’ve conveyed—the comfort of good friends who read and then favorably react: a blessing for my mind.