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Tears With Rain

Mystery this frail existence—
leaning into heedless wind.
Omen of pale dawn’s insistence—
all are fallen; all have sinned.

Distant birth’s incipient morn—
divergent lives their myriad courses.
Faux angelic forms suborn—
risen Sheol’s rotting corpses.

Uncertainty’s advancing chill—
day’s end finds us near surrender.
This road of life seems all uphill—
existence deems us mere pretender.

Dismiss this moribund charade—
see wellsprings rise and thwart disdain. 
Wild their fountains now cascade—
mingle then your tears with rain.

In honor of newlyweds Sarai Romano and Todd Virden

Copyright © Mark Peterson | Year Posted 2016

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Andrea Dietrich Date: 8/11/2021 11:00:00 AM oh yes, I DID see this already. Was just rechecking. YOu chose such a great entry in the anthology, Mark! Login to Reply

Andrea Dietrich Date: 8/8/2021 11:21:00 AM I have found your superb entry into the PS anthology book. It's a really good one, Mark. Deep poem and better than most!! Login to Reply

Line Gauthier Date: 2/6/2021 8:03:00 PM So glad to find this great poem published in the 2020 PS Anthology, Mark ~ Login to Reply

Sarai Virden Date: 5/16/2016 10:33:00 AM The wellspring has surely proved it's power... One might even swear these tears of joy bear no salt to sting even the oldest of wounds. Pure, clean rain in its season of reconning transforms to tears of joy for all the pleasure and certainty of all that lies ahead. Honored by your dedication my dear friend. Love you so! Login to Reply

Kelly Deschler Date: 5/1/2016 7:58:00 PM Life is all about surviving through the tears and relishing the days when the sun does shine... I liked this poem very much. I feel the depth of emotion pouring out in every line. Beautifully penned, Mark. Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 5/6/2016 12:06:00 AM Thanks so much, Kelly. Your comments on my poems are always such a treat. Look up "Rutger Hauer's Soliloquy" to find its inspiration. I chose to cast a happier light on my ending.

Scott Thirtyseven Date: 2/26/2016 8:22:00 AM A very melancholy read, but I was wrapped in it, absorbed in its words. Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 3/10/2016 6:53:00 PM Scott, I'm glad you found the verse appealing. Always pleased when you're pleased and hope you're doing well.

Cona Adams Date: 2/26/2016 7:01:00 AM A totally absorbing read, Mark. Easy flow, nice rhyme. Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 3/10/2016 6:54:00 PM Cona, so nice to meet you, and thanks so much for the praise. I'm happy when it turns out right but still mystified as to its source.

Paul Callus Date: 2/25/2016 11:47:00 AM Life is filled with ups and downs; learning to face them and learning from experience helps us to overcome the rough moments and look ahead with hope. ~ A very lovely and expressive poem, Mark #7 ~ Regards // paul Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 2/25/2016 12:38:00 PM Very many thanks, Paul. I've been away (or rather my muse), but have had some new thoughts return. I remember you supporting me in the past, so it's nice you felt like visiting again.

Nette Onclaud Date: 2/19/2016 4:55:00 PM very pleasing write... looking forward to your next one.. huggs Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 2/19/2016 7:04:00 PM Thank you, Nette. So nice to see your avatar again on my page.

Old Man Emu Date: 2/19/2016 3:22:00 PM Eloquently put. Thank goodness for the last verse! Enjoyed the read. Cheers Craig Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 2/19/2016 7:05:00 PM Many, many thanks Craig. Nice to see a new face here and get the chance to read something new from you.

Keith Bickerstaffe Date: 2/18/2016 10:30:00 AM Clever abab rhyming... fabulous phrasing, imagery and content! BRAVO my friend!! Best wishes, Keith Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 2/18/2016 1:08:00 PM My oh my, Keith. What a lovely tribute. I'm glad to make your acquaintance and will visit your page soon.

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 2/17/2016 12:07:00 PM - Gloomy tears in a deeply moving poem, Mark - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 2/17/2016 12:59:00 PM Oh, thanks so much for reading this Anne Lise. But please take a second look at the last stanza, which I meant as an expression of joy and hope. I might have to edit.

Richard Lamoureux Date: 2/15/2016 7:54:00 AM My pleasure Mark, I wish my time we're not so limited. Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 2/19/2016 7:06:00 PM So do I.

Robert Lindley Date: 2/14/2016 8:34:00 PM Sixteen excellent verses, thus the whole is awesome my friend. The second stanza tis' my fav . Super 7 my friend, well deserved 7.. Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 2/14/2016 9:35:00 PM Robert, I'm delighted by your visit and, of course, I welcome kind remarks. I must confess that the second stanza is my favorite as well. I don't want to sound metaphysical, but sometimes these things write themselves. When I try to force it, it's junior high stuff.

Elaine George Date: 2/14/2016 2:16:00 PM Much to ponder here, Mark. Very deep and profound. Elaine Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 2/14/2016 3:17:00 PM Elaine, what a treat to have you visit my page. I appreciate your comment.

Viv Wigley Date: 2/14/2016 11:49:00 AM A great write, Mark, and that last Stanza is a belter. Fine piece. Regards, Viv Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 2/14/2016 3:17:00 PM Thanks, Viv. I can't wait to get back and read some more of yours.

Nette Onclaud Date: 2/14/2016 11:39:00 AM a compelling write filled with mellow impressions, mark.. so glad you are back!..happy hearts day!.. huggs Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 2/14/2016 5:41:00 PM I can't tell you how wonderful it makes me feel to see your avatar on my page. A visit from a friend long missed. Happy Valentines Day to you.

Lin Lane Date: 2/14/2016 6:53:00 AM Life is an uphill climb each day, but well worth the effort, even for those who will rise from sleep in Sheol. This is a wonderful expression of hope, Mark. Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 2/14/2016 11:16:00 AM What a lovely comment with which you've honored me.

Richard Lamoureux Date: 2/14/2016 5:33:00 AM This has a haunting quality. Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 2/14/2016 11:18:00 AM Thanks, Richard. I kind of like the notion of haunting words...that I achieved a mood. I look forward to reading you more. You've always been such a kind supporter of my poetry.

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 2/14/2016 1:14:00 AM It is beautiful the way you ended this Mark. It might take a bit of a scholar to interpret your message, but I feel this poem is about our struggles here on earth and how we are all tempted and have given in at one time or another to our darker sides. The tears mingling with rain I would think are tears of joy. I may have misunderstood your meaning altogether...just my thoughts about it. It is so nice to read your work again Mark. Blessings, Connie Login to Reply Mark Peterson Date: 2/14/2016 1:24:00 AM So, yes, tears of joy, and tears of relief. Mark Peterson Date: 2/14/2016 1:23:00 AM I think you apprehended my message quite well, Connie. There are just so many ways to get lost and so many near to take advantage of it. Better to rise above it all and stand in wellspring's shower mingling tears with its refreshing rain.