Mark Peterson | + Follow Poet |
Free verse | + Fav Poem | Comment | Email | Print |

No Words

Pitch-black night—
scintillas of supernal light
coalesced before my 
uncomprehending eyes,
opened wide to survey
endless deep.

Heaven’s milky path ablaze,
as never I had glimpsed—
the Galaxy—
remote, yet beckoning.
I spread puny arms
in tremulous embrace.

Slight murmur—
ineffable—imponderably deep.
And I seemed to hear:
“Gaze a moment more,
and I will thwart your insanity,”
for I was overwhelmed.

6th Place, Brief Unforgettable Moment, Nette Onclaud

Copyright © Mark Peterson | Year Posted 2013

Please Login to post a comment

Roy Jerden Date: 1/27/2014 9:05:00 PM Yes, a moment shared, separated only by time and distance. Lovely. Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 1/27/2014 11:09:00 PM This was unforgettable. I'd been staring at the sky my whole life and always just saw the hazy band. This night it became the galaxy.

Jan Cannon Date: 12/2/2013 6:42:00 PM Loved your poem...congratulations on your win Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 12/7/2013 12:56:00 AM Jan, thank you so much for stopping by. I appreciate your words of praise. Sorry it took so long for me to comment.

Donna Jones Date: 11/29/2013 10:39:00 PM A remarkable poem..congratulations Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 11/30/2013 1:55:00 PM Donna, your words of appreciation mean so much to me. Congratulations on your win as well. Sublime poem you wrote. See my comments.

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 11/29/2013 12:06:00 PM - Congratulations on your winning poem in: - BRIEF, UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT / / Nette Onclaud contest. - oxox / / Anne-Lise :) Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 11/30/2013 1:57:00 PM Thanks, Lyse. You had a nice win as well with your wonderful poem. See my comments.

Naji Almurisi Date: 11/22/2013 11:35:00 AM I can't expess the poem talks itslef ..very nice Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 11/22/2013 12:15:00 PM Naji, Thank you so very much for glancing at my poem, an experience I had while driving in the middle of the night. I stopped and saw the Milky Way so perfectly, it astonished me. I worked in astronomy for many years, so this was unexpected. I look forward to reading your verse.

Ilene Bauer Date: 11/5/2013 6:42:00 AM this poem truly describes something awesome - in the way the word was originally meant to be used. living in the city, i rarely get to see a sky such as this and i wish i had the chance to do so more often. Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 1/3/2014 1:29:00 AM Another comment that I failed to respond to. Sorry Ilene, I appreciate you words so much. Glad I can inspire.

Just That Archaic Poet Date: 11/2/2013 12:02:00 PM Really cool piece and again, a pleasure to read. You are quite skillful with your words, and you seem patient and precise when penning them. Kudos! :) Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 1/3/2014 1:28:00 AM Boy I let your comment go a long time. Sorry about that. Sometimes I miss commenting, Chan. I appreciate these words of yours so much.

Joseph Matose Date: 10/30/2013 12:55:00 PM This is my second visit to this poem, just for the purpose of breaking "bad" news about this poem which inspired my latest one entitled: Frailty of Power and Strength of the Modest. Thanks for being so inspirational. Friend & Loyal Follower, JM Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 1/3/2014 1:27:00 AM Sorry I didn't get around to responding to your comments earlier. Just lost track. I am honored that you would find inspiration in my work. See you soon.

Joseph Matose Date: 10/30/2013 12:15:00 AM GREAT POEM MARK. A GREAT TRIBUTE TO THE POWER OF CREATOR AND INFLUENCE NATURE BESTOWS. I'M ALSO INSPIRED BY NATURE- I CONSIDER IT THE GREATEST TEACHER. Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 10/30/2013 12:20:00 AM Thanks Joseph. This poem was inspired by a very dark, middle of the night drive through Eastern Oregon. It was April, and the Milky Way was directly overhead at the time. Although I spent half a life in astronomy, I don't believe I ever truly 'got it' until that night. Amazing!