The Stars Above Like Dust

The stars above like dust arrayed,
their glow resplendent in the theme of night—
as remote to me the heavens, the drone now of my
footstep’s cadence compels me onward.

I urge my stream of thought again to reconsider bygone years—
and review in sorrow moments of regret I wish could simply evanesce.
A passing graveyard's dated markers make the past more vivid, and
as always there appears my own among them, adorned with gilt and guilt.

This sector of the cemetery seems untouched,
and painful stillness reigns until preoccupying words
if only somehow vanish from my mind, and absent these,
I leap joyfully to take my place at last unburdened midst the stars.

Dedicated to my dear and treasured poet friend Connie Marcum Wong, not so much due to content, as to its measured flow, which comes and goes in my work and over which I seem to have no control. Bless your days and nights, Connie.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017



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Date: 6/14/2018 10:04:00 AM
What a beautiful dedication to Connie! Excellently written piece! Hugs. Pandita
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Mark Peterson
Date: 4/17/2020 12:35:00 PM
Sorry, Pandita, for my late reply, though none less sincerely felt, as your words have touched me so and left me glowing on this mild April morn.
Date: 12/22/2017 9:01:00 PM
Gosh,Mark, you are a fan of Connie's too? I have known her for years and maybe I used to know it, but I did not know it in this moment that you were a treasured friend of hers! (until I just read this beautiful poem!)
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Mark Peterson
Date: 6/9/2018 11:44:00 PM
Yes, such a lovely friend, but now departed, I suppose.
Date: 12/22/2017 9:01:00 PM
also love your enlightened attitude.
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Mark Peterson
Date: 6/9/2018 11:44:00 PM
I'm happy when words express sublime belief and deep, abiding hope.
Date: 10/16/2017 1:35:00 PM
This is such beautiful dedication and poem for Connie!
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Mark Peterson
Date: 10/16/2017 8:07:00 PM
Arthur, thanks for your kind words and particularly your appreciation of my dedication to Connie who is already up among the stars.
Date: 10/15/2017 10:52:00 PM
I love this poem that so appreciates that in life we spend our time preparing for death, which in reality is but rebirth. These words are simply brilliant Mark! "adorned with gilt and guilt". They so define how we see ourselves. Thank you very much for such a lovely dedication. I am honored. I hope many read your poem. A Fave for me! Blessings, Connie ; )
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Mark Peterson
Date: 10/16/2017 8:10:00 PM
Lovely words, Connie that touch me deeply and lend further enlightenment and meaning to what I wrote. My dedication. Is thus rendered all the more precious.
Date: 10/15/2017 4:46:00 PM
Such a moving and sentimental read. Life is filled with happiness and also deep sorrows. Time goes by so rapidly. You are gifted Mark and let me take a few moments to thank you for your sweet comments. You are a kind soul!
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Mark Peterson
Date: 10/16/2017 9:17:00 PM
I deeply appreciate comments like yours, for they not only elevate my effort but also append meaning such that I can no longer read the poem without continuing with your thoughts. Thank you so much for this gift.
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