Mark Peterson Poet Quatrain

Wisdom

I cannot say that I’ve grown wise
through all my passing years.
Yet one can surely win apprise
with open eyes and ears.
 
I see ego garbed as majesty
blurting nonsense called opinion
and hapless pawns of travesty, 
misled by such dominion.
 
Then pride, that common drivel,
pours like rain into my ears.
Heralding the frivol—
playing on my fears.
 
Wise and precious minds
soar higher than the rest.
Overlooked, disparaged and maligned,
shame they’re oft suppressed.
 
By wise enthralled and fools appalled,
these two of diverse kind.
How is it then they’ll be recalled?
By what they leave behind.

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Kelly Deschler April 6, 2017 at 8:03 PM Often times in life the fool ends up being the one who was underestimating the precious minded... Your perfectly rhymed quatrain leaves behind much to think about. Very, very well written, Mark! Mark Peterson April 6, 2017 at 11:10 PM Your comment is replete with your particularly acute sagacity, Kelly. In fact, I think if yours were the only response received to any of my poems, I would be awash in consummate delight.

Scott Thirtyseven April 1, 2017 at 8:29 AM So slick and easy on the eyes. So sharp and engaging of the mind. Nice. Mark Peterson April 3, 2017 at 5:28 AM What a lovely comment for one of my poems--one of the nicest ever.

S.Zaynab Kamoonpuri January 30, 2017 at 11:19 PM "Wise and precious minds soar higher than the rest. Overlooked, disparaged and maligned, shame they’re oft suppressed", wow how true and clever. Awesome poem here in enviably superb flow and rhyming. Your phrasing artsy and elegant as well, 'ego garbed as majesty' touches on the human condition. Kudos eminent poet. Nice to read from your pen again , I hope u will too my latest. And hapy new yr. Mark Peterson January 30, 2017 at 11:24 PM Thanks my dear friend for your lovely and humbling comments. These are what makes possible my continuing work, for I do not think of myself as anything but ordinary compared with the magnificent talent found elsewhere on the Soup, including your own.

Eileen Manassian January 24, 2017 at 2:25 PM Such words can only come from a man of wisdom, dear. :) Lovely poem. Good to read...Hugs Mark Peterson January 29, 2017 at 5:58 PM Thank you, dearest Eileen. Your precious words mean a lot. No wisdom required to realize that.

Daver Austin January 22, 2017 at 9:14 AM "By wise enthralled and fools appalled." Right on! Nice to read someone who has something to say relevant to our times. Enjoyed this one by a fine poet. daver Mark Peterson January 29, 2017 at 6:04 PM Poetry makes all our voices a little louder, doesn't. Even so, a poet's whisper endures far longer than a despot's rant. Thanks for commenting, Daver.

Andrea Dietrich January 21, 2017 at 9:24 PM the ending on this is awesome. By what they've left behind. I love that!! Mark Peterson January 29, 2017 at 6:15 PM The words of some are illustrative of error while poets' rhymes are like promises and prayers. Thank you for supporting my poetry, Andrea. Your words are precious.

Jan Allison January 21, 2017 at 6:17 PM Such an entertaining write, you are a wise man indeed Mark ... I guess I'll just leave behind a mountain of poop poetry lol:-) hugs Jan xx7 Mark Peterson January 21, 2017 at 8:29 PM Jan, your poetry is precious to me, as are your kind remarks on my work without which I would be unable to continue, lacking confidence in my verbiage.

Chuck Melugin January 21, 2017 at 10:18 AM Mark, Wisdom, more precious than rubies--Your words soar above also! 7 My best to you, chuck Mark Peterson January 22, 2017 at 11:05 PM It was my hope that this message would get through. Thanks so much for this comment, which keeps me going. Otherwise, I lack the confidence to continue. Mark Peterson January 21, 2017 at 6:15 PM Chuck, much appreciation to you for your visit and remarkably uplifting words. I'm seldom confident about my poetry, so good friends with cheering remarks are always helpful and sustain me.

Paul Callus January 21, 2017 at 7:37 AM I can assure you, Mark, that you have not wasted your years, and life's experiences have made you wiser! I would be happy to be remembered for a little bit of good than for being proud and egoistic! Regards // paul Mark Peterson January 21, 2017 at 8:27 PM Thanks for your reassuring remarks, dear friend, without which I would be unable to sustain work. Indeed, you'll remain in memory, and your pen will continue its work no matter what.

Richard Lamoureux January 20, 2017 at 10:20 PM Ha ha, this was a blast to read. Introspective and entertaining.:0) A worthy 7. Mark Peterson January 20, 2017 at 10:57 PM Thanks, Richard! Hadn't thought I could ever introspective and entertaining. Nice enough that I could be either.

John Fleming January 20, 2017 at 11:31 AM Fantastic poem - Fantastic wisdom! Really enjoyed this one, Mark. All the best - Cheers! :) john Mark Peterson January 20, 2017 at 11:19 PM Erased my comment by mistake. Your positive comment gave me confidence and saved my poetic life, which I was about to give up. Can't thank you enough.

Connie Marcum Wong January 10, 2017 at 6:46 PM Mark, I think about that every time I hear a quote from a poet. Poets from ages ago still have their words repeated and it gives me hope. Not that I am comparing myself, but if my family and friends alone remember me by my words then it will all be worth any time expended. I enjoyed your poem very much. I hope this will be a wonderful year for you. Blessings, Connie ; ) Mark Peterson January 10, 2017 at 7:42 PM Connie, thanks so much for commenting. We impact the lives of others by what we say and do. To fall asleep knowing that the world is a better place for our having been alive—whether for poetry or some other reason—is sufficient justification for the air one displaces from moment to moment. You have done well in this regard.