Mark Peterson Poet Quatrain

Looking Down

If wealth is now your blessing,
what then was the prayer?
Avarice, its goal possessing,
yet in penury, despair.

I see them often in the store
eyes ahead, regard for none.
Against the classes, tacit war—
Modus Operandi: shun.

Vaunted compounds they do flout—
absent grasp of their chagrin—
for walls and gates that keep us out
are prisons trapping them within.

They say those vexed by paucity,
should flee to foreign air, 
for wages here of poverty
would make them wealthy there.

Thus, high above the world they scan— 
well hidden from our sight— 
discounting what the common man 
is suffering tonight.

1st Place: Sing to Me Contest

Prompted by the remark made on this topic by fashion company Nicole Miller’s 
CEO Bud Konheim. Thanks to Roy Jerden for his thoughtful help on the fifth stanza, allowing for much greater impact.

With a special nod to the song Royals by Lorde, which has a very compatible message.

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Adeniji Toluwalope Gideon December 27, 2016 at 3:50 PM Great poem! I am greatly in love with both the structure and the content. How I wish those arrogant oppressors could lend us their listening hears.They've forgotten that life is not a bed of roses. Well written, great poet Mark. Mark Peterson January 28, 2017 at 11:55 PM Sorry I'm late in replying to your lovely comment, Adeniji. I fear rich and poor will never understand one another, or at least it is unusual enough as to be hardly noticeable. My best to you dear poet friend.

Keith Bickerstaffe February 18, 2016 at 10:20 PM 'There but by the grace of God go I...' neat abab rhyming and cadence. It's difficult for me to single out a particular verse for they ALL belong together to produce a splendid piece. Well done indeed! Keith Keith Bickerstaffe February 18, 2016 at 10:29 PM Nope... not me. I'm a night owl! Mark Peterson February 18, 2016 at 10:22 PM Wonderful reading you and listening to their thoughts tonight. Aren't you toiling through the night there?

Richard Lamoureux August 16, 2015 at 12:20 PM I love intelligent writing so this one gets high praise. Thanks for directing me to this one Mark.

Sarai Virden September 29, 2014 at 2:14 AM Gripping ending... "Discounting what the common man is suffering tonight" Brilliant line my dear! I read a quote recently... "If words are all you have for me... It's best you just keep waking" Sometimes it would be refreshing just to look another searchingly in the eyes and to communicate simply from the soul. Your work here offers both. Beautiful! Mark Peterson October 24, 2014 at 12:20 PM I think your response is more sublime than my poem. Such honor you bestow. Truly, non-verbal connections speak volumes and are beyond our ability to utter.

Skat A May 22, 2014 at 11:23 AM Mark, Congratulations, on having your poem featured on the Poetry Soup's home page. Hope you are enjoying the exposure. Hugs & Love ~SKAT~ Mark Peterson May 23, 2014 at 1:45 AM Many, many thanks for noticing. Always helps to get a little buzz going. I had actually promoted another poem, but they plucked this one out of the list instead.

Kiarra Turner March 17, 2014 at 4:31 AM Hi Mark i am using your poem looking down for my yr 10 English assignment. i was wondering if you could tell me what inspired you to write this and when it was written. it says you published it on 14 02 14 but i wasn't sure if this is the same date that you wrote it. also any extra info would be greatly appreciated i need this information by 19 03 14 thanks in advance Take Care Kiarra Mark Peterson April 17, 2014 at 11:45 PM How did your English assignment work out, Kiarra?

Roy Jerden March 10, 2014 at 3:44 PM Congratulations, Mark! Mark Peterson March 10, 2014 at 5:30 PM Thanks, Roy. And, again, thanks for your help.

Dr.Ram Mehta March 10, 2014 at 6:33 AM Lovely write. Congratulations on the fine win, Mark Mark Peterson March 10, 2014 at 11:21 AM Thank you very much Dr. Mehta. And the same to you for top honors.

Robert Johnson March 9, 2014 at 1:47 PM Welcome to the human race, you're fighting a good fight. But as you know on every face shows an individual plight. Congrats on the contest. An exceptional write Mark. Peace. :) Mark Peterson March 10, 2014 at 11:27 AM Yes, Robert, every person alive has a story worthy of a Pulitzer. Often, it also seems to be the case that the more ignoble the life, the richer the tale. Thanks so much for your comment.

Just That Archaic Poet March 9, 2014 at 10:51 AM Congrats on your win, my friend; thanks for entering :) Mark Peterson March 10, 2014 at 11:28 AM It's a great honor to have done so well. Thanks, Chan.

Charmaine Chircop March 4, 2014 at 1:47 AM This is a poem which touches morality deeply and seduces the conscience to act..An excellent poem which I"m going favour.-Charma Mark Peterson March 4, 2014 at 1:59 AM Charma, thanks for sharing your impressions and ideas with me about the topics in this poem. What disgusts me are those who claim that people don't do well because they're stupid or lazy, and I hear this a lot. Will they be so dismissive when life turns on the pivot of a single heartbeat? To see through life's illusions is a gift that has nothing to do with wealth.

Charmaine Chircop March 4, 2014 at 1:45 AM If everyone who is wealthy helped by sharing a bit of their wealth with those in need..Poverty would be drastically reduced..Its no use thanking the lord for blessimgs and praying for the poor with a closed hand.I do believe those who never suffered poverty or else being on the low side of middle class..find it hard to understand and acknowledge what it feels like not to have the basic needs..or further be poor.Unfortunately life is like that,always was ,and dare I say- always will be. Mark Peterson March 4, 2014 at 12:21 PM Sharing is not just giving to the poor. Sharing is giving to the poor when you're just as poor as they are. When I truly need help I can always gain assistance from the poor. Otherwise, the response is uncertain.

Jack Horne February 27, 2014 at 2:46 PM excellent quatrains with a lot of punch Mark Peterson February 27, 2014 at 10:07 PM Thank you, Jack. Good to see you here again. I'll visit your place soon.

Chuck Melugin February 24, 2014 at 4:21 PM Stellar write Mark! 7 Faved Poet & Poem! May I add a little proverb,,,he... who gives to the poor, lends to God. my best, chuck Mark Peterson February 24, 2014 at 10:02 PM Thank you so much for the honors, Chuck. Your proverb is apt, and respect for the least among us certainly doesn't escape notice, except where its notice is most painfully needed but sometimes overlooked by those who believe they have a clue but don't.

Joe Flach February 21, 2014 at 12:07 PM Brilliant, Mark. Thought provoking with a purpose and moral to boot. I particularly like the very 1st line of this poem. I think that sets up the following point of view very nicely. Joe Mark Peterson February 21, 2014 at 1:04 PM Joe, thank you very much for taking notice. I've wanted to write on this topic for some time. Finally, a vacuous individual made a clueless statement, so I had to act. Good luck with your excellent poetry.

Jancarl Campi February 20, 2014 at 12:02 PM I really enjoyed the flow of this poem. I write mostly free verse poetry, as I have trouble with rhyming. I can do it, but have a dislike for it. Take care and keep writing. Note: Don't let the turkeys wear you down. Mark Peterson February 21, 2014 at 1:07 PM Jancarl, I appreciate your kind remarks. Poetry comes to me in all forms though not necessarily on command. I love poetry, but I think it is harder to write than free verse, speaking collectively and not individually. My muse takes frequent vacations and changes jobs regularly. Frustrating!

Cyndi Macmillan February 20, 2014 at 8:08 AM Mark, I really enjoyed those last two lines. Insightful. Cyndi Mark Peterson February 21, 2014 at 1:09 PM Thank you Cyndi. It's so easy to overlook need, especially by those who could make a difference but don't.

Just That Archaic Poet February 19, 2014 at 10:51 AM Be sure to read the comment I made on Andrea's reply ;) Mark Peterson February 21, 2014 at 1:09 PM Got it.

Andrea Dietrich February 18, 2014 at 4:11 PM oh, my, I applaud you. VERY well said!! This would be a good one for that contest about writing for a song that inspires you. It goes so well with the song Royals. It is the poem I wish I had been able to write and I think that contest may have closed out now! Just That Archaic Poet February 19, 2014 at 10:50 AM omg She is SO right. The contest still needs 7 more entries and *cough, cough; wink, wink*; Andrea has made a very astute observation. I think *more coughing* this would make a fantastic entry :) Mark Peterson February 18, 2014 at 5:39 PM Thanks, Andrea. I appreciate the extra effort of stopping by for another look at this. I know you read a lot of poetry. Also, thanks for the sentiment of writing for a song contest. I hope my message gets out anyway.

Nette Onclaud February 18, 2014 at 10:56 AM a fearless write awakening the soul to rise above greed... awesome lines worth a second read, mark.. huggs Mark Peterson February 18, 2014 at 11:35 AM I'm so happy to see you on my page again. Thanks for your wonderful comments.

Just That Archaic Poet February 17, 2014 at 6:05 PM Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant and captivating. Just...loved it. Every word and feeling you afforded me through your journey of words. Thanks for writing and posting this, Mark. Fantastic verse :) Mark Peterson February 17, 2014 at 11:07 PM So glad you enjoyed it Chan.

Monterey Sirak February 17, 2014 at 8:34 AM This is wonderful and very true. It seems that people who have the least are more willing to share than those who have the most. Mark Peterson February 17, 2014 at 8:59 AM Great to see you here again, Monterey. I don't like to stereotype, because there are wonderful people of all degrees of wealth, but some are aloof and clueless. They use their resource to isolate themselves from humanity rather than exploring ways that could unite us. They really stand out, but not for the reason they intend.

Scott Thirtyseven February 17, 2014 at 2:54 AM There is so much in here. You've done a great job. Good onya mate. Mark Peterson February 17, 2014 at 9:01 AM Thanks, Scott. Glad you came and appreciate your comments.

Debbie Guzzi February 16, 2014 at 5:41 PM This shows your heart, the 3rd stanza in particular meant a lot to me, I hope to read more of your writing soon. Light & Love Mark Peterson February 16, 2014 at 7:07 PM Thanks, Debbie. I've been chewing over this one awhile. I have another on similar lines, and maybe it will take final form.

Jerry Bolton February 15, 2014 at 3:07 PM There is nothing wrong with attaining wealth, and I applaud all who do accumulate it. However, I do see disregard for the human race in far too many of the upper tier people. Mark Peterson February 15, 2014 at 3:35 PM Hi Jerry. Yes, I agree that there is nothing wrong with acquiring wealth, and much good can be done with it. Here I'm bemoaning the arrogance that often accompanies wealth--all the things some wealthier individuals do to keep themselves separate from the rest. Thanks for stopping by.

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