Mark Peterson Poet Quatrain

Soul of the Poet

Invite of the trendy crowd,
yearning for acclaim,
a common braggart read aloud,
to glean synthetic fame.

The fellow even took a bow
when some had stood and clapped
The rest of them were in the know;
so mostly they just napped.

Elsewhere in a lonely hut,
near death’s parting knell,
doors and windows firmly shut,
a poet bids farewell.

Painfully she starts to write,
and pens a lovely score,
her phantom fans in sheer delight,
erupt in silent roar.


2nd Place, Put Your Best Rhyme Forward, Just That Archaic Poet

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Andrea Dietrich November 8, 2014 at 10:00 AM oh my gosh, I am now reading the poem of yours that I had happened upon to leave you this message. It got second place from Chan!! And the title of this poem says it all. Mark Peterson November 8, 2014 at 9:57 PM Thanks, Andrea. I was so pleased when this poem came together for me and glad you enjoyed it too.

Andrea Dietrich November 8, 2014 at 9:58 AM mark, I am reading a few of Chan's last poems here at soup and can see that you were someone who admired him, so I wanted to inform you of his death. I just saw the blog of Deb's here at Soup. Hope you will go see it and sign the condolence page for this wonderful young man. So young to have died. It's very sad. Mark Peterson November 8, 2014 at 9:56 PM Andrea, I spent so much time with Chan trading soupmails. I knew he was troubled and so heavily burdened with his nature. I thought he had real ability. This sad event reminds me of the last few words of "Starry, Starry Night" by Don Mclean: "But I could have told you, Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you." I tried so hard to reach him.

Deborah Shiells April 23, 2014 at 7:47 AM Hello Mark, What a wonderful write! congrats on your win, too:~) Thanks for sharing this poem. Peace, Deborah Mark Peterson April 23, 2014 at 9:04 AM Much appreciated, Deborah. I'll drop by on your page shortly.

Scott Thirtyseven January 28, 2014 at 12:33 AM Well done in the contest. A worthy winner. Enjoyed the read. Could I tweet a link? Scott Thirtyseven January 31, 2014 at 2:45 PM Here goes. Scott Thirtyseven January 28, 2014 at 3:29 AM If I press the twitter button above, this puts a thread onto my twitter site. Meaning that other people not on Soup will know that this poem is here and they will have access to it. This has the potential to gather you more exposure. I have done this for others, so far with no complaints. Mark Peterson January 28, 2014 at 1:46 AM Scott, thanks. You've contacted a retro-soul to whom you must explain tweeting a link.

Roy Jerden January 25, 2014 at 8:07 AM How could I not read this one upon seeing the title? Outstanding! Going in my faves! I confess I felt a twinge of guilt myself, as surely as others must have. After all, we do have contests here, right? Man in the mirror. Mark Peterson January 28, 2014 at 1:47 AM Late on my reply, Roy. I get behind sometimes. Your comments are received with gratitude.

Carly Larkin December 28, 2013 at 9:31 PM the word choice throughout this poem is amazing, it provides a new layer of intensify to a rather common theme, making it a great poem. especially this line: "to glean synthetic fame." Mark Peterson December 28, 2013 at 11:14 PM Yes, I guess it is a rather common theme, as I reflect on it. Thus, your praise really is so uplifting. I'll visit your page soon as well. Happy New Year!

Just That Archaic Poet December 20, 2013 at 4:57 AM You definitely deserved your win; excellent piece, my friend :) Mark Peterson December 20, 2013 at 7:07 PM Thanks, Chan I wanted to juxtapose the two kinds of poets, but it is really a metaphor for anything in which judgment is involved and my way of refusing to go along with the crowd. I won't join the 98% of the population who follow the 2% telling them how they should feel and behave

Poet Destroyer A December 15, 2013 at 11:35 PM oh yes! Thank you for inviting me, on over to this one again... heheh.. I said inviting, cause the title reeled me in for the second time... xox... LINDA Mark Peterson December 16, 2013 at 8:11 AM It's a tricky thing to keep poems fresh and to stimulate comments. Poems have a sort of lifespan. Anyway, you're welcome anytime, repeat visits included and recommended!

Dr.Ram Mehta December 10, 2013 at 9:22 PM Congrats on the win, Mark Mark Peterson December 10, 2013 at 11:23 PM Dr. Ram, thanks so much for the sentiments. I mean every word I said about your winning entry as well.

Trevor Mcleod December 10, 2013 at 9:12 PM Hi Mark. I like the way you introduce each new line. Your thoughts jump around nicely. It's a real art to be this creative. Keep them coming. I enjoy your patterns. Mark Peterson December 10, 2013 at 11:21 PM Trevor, thanks for these extraordinary comments. The risk is that I might compose a line, then pick a word to rhyme and cobble together a trite phrase to go with it. It's good of you to tolerate this possibility, especially if I wander too close to the line. I'll watch myself carefully.

Poet Destroyer A December 10, 2013 at 8:41 PM nice win...pd Mark Peterson December 10, 2013 at 11:18 PM Thanks, PD, I appreciate the applause!

Andrea Dietrich December 10, 2013 at 3:28 PM You placed pretty well. I am finally going thru that winner's list! Mark Peterson December 10, 2013 at 6:00 PM I've had a number of 2nd place wins, which is probably about right. I'm used to being above average, but there are always others who excel. Still, I keep mumbling.

Andrea Dietrich December 10, 2013 at 3:07 PM oh, and CONGRATS Mark Peterson December 10, 2013 at 5:59 PM Thanks. Still, struggling for a #1, but I'm kind of a technician, so rhyme, meter and rest are all intact, but I don't necessarily have the emotional content of others, such as yourself--the complete package.

Andrea Dietrich December 10, 2013 at 3:06 PM I am going to see the winners' list soon so I can know what rating you got, but wow, this is a great poem showing the contrast between these two kinds of poets. The first one is what I call the "poet god" I have always disliked this kind of person, too proud to acknowledge others in his midst and thinking he is so wonderful. You are in tune with the good kind of poet! Mark Peterson December 10, 2013 at 5:58 PM Yes, this is exactly what I was trying to express. But not only the poet god, but also that so often a trend is established by a select few who seem to rule the day. I'm not kindly disposed to critics in general anyway. Thanks for checking in so frequently; I hope I can appreciate you well enough in return.

Anne-Lise Andresen December 10, 2013 at 11:53 AM - Congratulations on your winning poem in: "Put Your Best Rhyme Forward" contest: Sponsored by: Just That Archaic Poet - Nice to take part - a pleasure to read yours Mark - oxox // Anne-Lise :) Mark Peterson December 10, 2013 at 1:09 PM Anne-Lise, you are so wonderful to support my work. You add so much to the site. It keeps me writing.

Ilene Bauer December 10, 2013 at 11:38 AM i love this poem, mark! perfect rhyme and it makes the point so well... Mark Peterson December 10, 2013 at 1:08 PM Ilene, much appreciated. I placed well in the contest, thanks to everyone's support of my work. I'll see you soon.

Mandy Tams The Golden Girl December 10, 2013 at 2:40 AM Hi Mark, thanks you for stopping by and commenting I appreciate it. This is a superb write and I hope it does well in the contest it deserves it, you have captures poets well xx Mark Peterson December 10, 2013 at 1:07 PM Thanks Golden Girl. I was lucky to have placed with my poem. Thanks so much for your comments and support.

Joseph Sergi December 9, 2013 at 8:26 PM moving and touching work Great one Mark Mark Peterson December 10, 2013 at 12:13 AM Thank you so much Joseph. It's dedicate to all the hard working poets here at the Soup, including, of course, your worthy self.

Nette Onclaud December 9, 2013 at 1:33 PM your thoughts flow like a river streaming.. so well donr, mark..i go wow..huggs Mark Peterson December 9, 2013 at 7:42 PM Oh, Nette, thanks for the kind words. You're always so uplifting, and this keeps me writing. You should know, however, that this poem vexed me. I redid the first stanza and added the second. You might take a second look.

Carl Fraser December 9, 2013 at 9:37 AM This is i great tribute to the lonely dark hours so many of us put in to get our message out. Very well penned Mark, Blessings Carl Mark Peterson December 9, 2013 at 1:24 PM carl, thank you so much for visiting my page. Your comments reflect the intent of my poem--so many people struggling to make their poetry meaningful with no regard whatsoever for glory and wealth. Thanks again.

Anne-Lise Andresen December 9, 2013 at 4:09 AM - A beautiful and touching poem, Mark. - oxox // Anne-Lise :) Mark Peterson December 9, 2013 at 6:43 AM Thanks Lys. I'm so glad you stopped by. I appreciate your diligent support if my poetry, as well as that of untold others--ones that wouldn't otherwise be noticed, which is the heart and soul of this poem.

Joseph May December 8, 2013 at 10:14 PM very nice write Mark...best wishes Mark Peterson December 9, 2013 at 12:19 AM I appreciate your comment Joseph. Hope you're doing well.

Chuck Melugin December 8, 2013 at 9:24 PM Mark great flow great soul!! chuck Mark Peterson December 9, 2013 at 12:18 AM Thanks, Chuck. Good to see you here again.