Mark Peterson Poet Free verse

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

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Roy Jerden January 27, 2014 at 9:05 PM Yes, a moment shared, separated only by time and distance. Lovely. Mark Peterson January 27, 2014 at 11:09 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 December 2, 2013 at 6:42 PM Loved your poem...congratulations on your win Mark Peterson December 7, 2013 at 12:56 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 November 29, 2013 at 10:39 PM A remarkable poem..congratulations Mark Peterson November 30, 2013 at 1:55 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 November 29, 2013 at 12:06 PM - Congratulations on your winning poem in: - BRIEF, UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT / / Nette Onclaud contest. - oxox / / Anne-Lise :) Mark Peterson November 30, 2013 at 1:57 PM Thanks, Lyse. You had a nice win as well with your wonderful poem. See my comments.

Naji Almurisi November 22, 2013 at 11:35 AM I can't expess the poem talks itslef ..very nice Mark Peterson November 22, 2013 at 12:15 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 November 5, 2013 at 6:42 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. Mark Peterson January 3, 2014 at 1:29 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 November 2, 2013 at 12:02 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! :) Mark Peterson January 3, 2014 at 1:28 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 October 30, 2013 at 12:55 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 Mark Peterson January 3, 2014 at 1:27 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 October 30, 2013 at 12:15 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. Mark Peterson October 30, 2013 at 12:20 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!