the devil walked in the room
first thoughts are to exit calmly
a round of sounds complete his entrance artfully
chimes, alarms, a decadent trumpet plays the senses curiously
mysterious it would be to refuse a grave impulse
the hand opens simply
the upright begging posture holds methodical to his evil core
releasing a despair so cunning, a predator smiles sincere
tiny little prickles rushing, cautioning, faithful and dear
become an elegant dance of tingles paired along my spine in fear  
trust denies the plea and the ego shines in a craving for sinister
instant addiction, the ever soft whisper in a mere Hello
promise opens with a red licorice smile and a hunters glow
a presence so cunning
massive weight a mere feather drifting to the floor
every peak in my pulse cuts deeper to an undiscovered center
negotiations owns every breath that awards the monster  
desperation, so comfortable with descent and further
an intoxicating reach and a strength that could free the blind
seduction defines and entwines me into the exquisite serpentine
****** shaping sweet curving as the wet rocks of a river’s flow
temptation to the hang of a spider's woven row’s of show
sticky webbed surrender, the perfect jagged rocks below
powerless to leave or disappear now
the devil walked in the room



Terry Darcy-Ryan

a single moment stays
another builds a solid maze
every tick of the clock displays
rising iron walls with slates to gaze
the tick of a tock is the groove to insane
caught on a string, can’t swing away
twisting in the turning fate
the push of a hand
tips the flow of sand
the other hand pulls the weight
forever sharpening the keys
iron mask or the height of a crown
darkness moves on frightening ground
a shared space in the wait
etching forever the sound it makes
a scrap and rattle in a tick for a tock
make doors for walls complete with locks
held open no more, all eyes to the floor
faces keep pace for the evermore
the minds design linked by a chain
a constant companion remains
ticking a song and hammering sublime
safe in a pocket of time


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

freewill seduces the hand of our action
one eye amused by the world in a spin
another keeps time in a rival trend
dishonorable power feeds a beggars need
moving pieces and pawns for ruthless destruction  
the king's pleasure caters misery’s reception
creation a cascading opus of small scraps
the descent of humanity in disarray
we cling to the rule of thumb
the blind will lead the dumb
a hunt astute with catch and release
hope has never worked so hard for the foolish
the sport of chance completes the wish for peace
stalking tyranny to her infinite sleep  
the bigger picture keeps us guessing shapes in the sky  
holding tight the hand of freedom as we weep


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

shuffling feet recede with the sinking heat
shadow chanters possess the street
sidewalk dancers work their song
the mind a clenched fist
pounding a one beat drum
a hustle in lunacy
chasing crank and doom

sound surrounds a fool
that is what you hear
the constant humm lost in the ear
exhales as a kindle, leads a rumble
the bellow of a beast howling thunder
the sound so pleasing
crawls under the skin
begins to breath
becomes the wind

jacked up
spread thin
spinning shards of speed
believing all the joy in greed
sabotage of self redeem
a play to crash and fiend
infringes the sound of terror
louder than an ocean roars
misery always begs more

hand on a knife
steady work in a glisten
fury breathes bending twisted
thrashing fragile decline
slashing sublime
carving within the lines
seeking a hollow spine
nothing seen to intervene

struck hard to a mad core
falling through every door
landing in the sleep of dreams
face in a pillow
held to the floor
nothing left to bargain
suffocation frees a demon
leaves a human being


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

stars slowly diminish
darkness completes
still we feel the suffers of heat
the fever suspends in the thick
a velvet’s texture mix
clinging to skin as if drowned
dawn flexes, stretches and surrounds
as the last of struggling stars obscound
sunlight strikes without a sound
grabbing and stabbing clusters
loyal fray guarding reaches of dark
the sun rises content and goes to work

dawn's temper dares and flares
leading mobs to the extreme
a simple day can claim 120 degrees
misery keeps no company here
lust begins with fear
and the hunt for shade
any hue of obscurity a rare breed
creatures scurry free stalking unseen
gila monsters are a venoms lounge
despite the screams to leave

this forsaken oasis
sits ringside to hazards door
bright by right a rising star
a blazing sunmade world
rendering addicts galore
jonesing for a breeze or more
bent backs slave to the hustle and flo
fiends circling to numb a mad core
the hole dug deeper
wind indeed She seldom has a show

a quandry rolls in  
a circling wall of dust a curtain of rain
she comes riding in
on a Kicked up Beast of sand
a lasso in hand
wrangling hounds
and the force of nature
hitting the ground
blow to blow these animals
defend her round after round
the elements are primed
coming out in breakaway swing    
a punch and a weave
dust of demons bend a knee

this is the end of the line
hell is just past the next sign
devils play here long into limbo’s curfew
escape by any means regrettable
here the heat plays for keeps
the dead man’s hand
the sun aims again
with both barrels
the sound comes undone
another round just for fun
the sun reaches down
closes the man's eyes and crosses his arms
embrace the heat or R I P


Terry  D'Arcy-Ryan

I know love
it is never that sure of a ring
forever sparkles just underneath
leftover remnants for the winds bending
a battered laundry list
tired wishes flow oh so effortlessly
leaving the believe to the lie
deep Inside every happy ending
boldly aiming over the rainbow
for any galaxy far, far away
looking wide for a recognized set place
daydreams cranked straight through the easy bake
hit and missed the upcoming inception
striking a blindfolded target
disarmed in a charming
play by play

I know love
the endeavored sweet
rinse and repeat, to what end
write on the box happily ever after “not included”
the colors of the rainbow
the brightest star from afar
blinded in their own beauty
a shine almost gold for the rival
emptied trophies still heavy in truth
guarding first base
instead of making cherry cake
another day plays it closer to safe
everything is a new surrender

I know love
it wraps me in need of grace
it watches with eyes, that are mine
it reaches places I can never climb
it is the tiny hands
the sea of branches stretched to me, the sun
gripping these palms to no means
always holding tight that ticket
to alive


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

I can not give away this Image
engraved in my vision
as I stood
beside giants while hidden

mighty titans
the picture
the trees that hid me
in the shadows
like a villain

thrown together in the moment
I looked high
into the sky
had to cover my eyes
  extend my hand for an introduction

my gesture sat unmoved,
unworthy
the trees remain solemn

absurd, how troubling it would be
if a Tree answered me
as a friend
to attend a function

crazy as it seems
the perfect witness is a tree
to keep a secret
an alliance unspoken


A maze of roots
tangled the soil
twisting,
turning,
almost impossible to follow
to my feet
to a connection  

in the privacy of the trees
I saw you first
you were carving
the heart of another

a betrayed tree
wore the scarred heart  
amber in color
like old blood no longer red

I found you there
like all the tears
that do not fall
instead I am drowning in my head

the knife
came from your pocket
  you were kissing me
taking me to a place unexpected

With precision our letters
appeared in the center
of the tree,
of the heart,
of the past

pride, walked me along the path
to the trees,
to the heart,
to you,
to the sharpest of knives
I keep in your chest

time has slipped away
no forward,
no back,
no simply,
left me in trespass

my titan trees
did not protest
the screams
the blood
that still run
along the roots
twisting the turns
from you to me at last


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

the sun plays with darkness
stabbing and jabbing in departure
black unwinds, stretching, encompassing, a creeping abyss
stillness has one hand on the wheel
the dark is glassy
the water's reflection is clear
striking shallow sweet a place of phantoms

man kneels in grace
he is hammer for the god's of war
creating his place with a hum and rattle
time is man's finest driven rival
a flash in the sky
we fall and fly
lost inside our own battle cry

hammer on metal produces this metallic sound
agony’s pleasure just beyond
again and over the echo resounds
calls us home while blinding us profound
a cue recurs flowing slow
passes over our ears
the clear place to set a crown

quicker than quick we are controlled
a finger on the trigger
Chosen for one but all ages can be a player
the rules have come undone
to beat a new order
a train jumps the tracks
a chain snaps back releasing a bullet named terror

this bedlam competes with the sound of conflict
in a place found just past bliss's hitch
tattooed with metals ink
engraved skin feels pains true kiss

thunder is envious of lightnings perfect hit
hammer on metal
as the gods crack their whip


Sheer Terror

aka Terry D'Arcy-Ryan

the darkest frame takes the moon
mist and hues rise in blues
traces from a lunacy glow
follow a hand with delicate flow
this flickering serene movement
comes and goes as a wing unfolds
graceful, staggering movements of perfection
magnificent to behold in the dark night
I search through perfection in the light of a star
charmed to the point of complete and divine
dreams finally come and you are still mine
our happily ever after still has time
moments chase away this place of illusion
life wakes and takes you again
the crown of an angel falls through all that I am
we are bound a heart to a beat
heart of mine is the one left behind
an essence that has never known unbroken
the will of my single soul believes
the darkest of the ****** can be redeemed
I am eluded a slave to each breath’s inception
works the same as expectation  
denial sits upright complete with begging  
black is black there is no semblance
it is the smallest grasp of poison
seeping to the center mass of my gravity
always reaching and touching ever still
this core carved out piece by piece
a sliver of the least has outlived the stakes
letting go bows down to enormous regret
still I can see this angel of mine awaits for what will be
supra separation from this broken living space
closer to a revenant heart
leading to a state of grace


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

when a sparrow dies
does it touch one thing
does it drop
limb to limb
does it rattle
the whole Tree

Yes, I'm a tree
don't you see
forever reaching
to the sky
a better view
into you
always, growing, twisting, turning
into what I can't move
growing around you

And you, the ever strong
un-moving stone
here I am outshone
impaired beyond despair
a fate come undone
we enhance and embrace
a solid rock frame
creating the ordinary monument
a place to see your name

When a sparrow dies
does it touch one thing
does it hit
branch to branch
does it ****
the whole tree







                       Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

sunshine bends a knee in vigil
seeking absolution's hell
the steeper edge of steel
balance beam of a trail
the driving wheel
is Spiked for the ****
a heart in trespass
rigged like a printing press
cut from raw intensity
a Bad seed wild and free
                            blood of my blood is destiny's tongue                                                                        
the devil is my kin
swimming in gin
drowning inside to simply be still
sinking deeper into gradual
furious and gently we lose will
angel’s tears fill my quill
shedding the reach of a mind idle
regrettable and suicidal
a ledge’s last chance to dance
this box in need of one last nail
                                 leaving with a tourniquet smile                                                                                                  
defined failure
bluffing on a blind
             no chance of a winner            


Terry Darcy-Ryan

sleep is the dream
projection holds entirely to this belief
that hope is a place to be seen
though miles gained while the ideal slept
a peace of mind reaches safety
forgotten for the lie that is me
a stubborn truth covered in blankets
tossed while the rinse was final
the illusion of living charmed for real
below the cut of hammered steel
fearless is the lack of will to conceal
a wish is simply a slight pull of the wheel
sleep walking my sorrow still
beyond this memory or this dream
left in a place far and in between
heaven and hell
                

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

you wondered in
with a Cheshire grin
eyes made for sin
I'm all in
ready for the trip
next hit or miss
the spike of lightening's strike
not once but twice
blinded by the flashes
streaks of color found
the long way around
an unexpected place
caught me indeed
swept me off my feet
looked me up and down
face to face
close and secret
our eyes ready to devour
the first layer
caught right there
crashing through the urge to tear
stranger's arm to arm
in the need
the pushing force of a stampede
pull of a stranger's kiss
a punch in the face
force the twisting gears
the sweet candy taste
drops of colors
all of them
even sparkles
odd hints of tinted shade
smashed in whole
shapes of hunger
new an old
lost and found
touching me insane
lacking restraint
jolly ranchers gone extreme
falling the instant
lips collide
a push purely ravenous
  a taste of cherry snow
frozen delight
stalking me dizzy  
cuz a banana split melts quickly
sugar coma coming into focus
turning from the stranger
that salty shiver of surrender
still in his sights
a tingling of zots
fresh on my lips
the war of sweet and sour
promising kismet
wrapped in a kiss
I need a straight coke
and a  shot of pop rocks
this guy is Cherries Garcia
with an angel's touch
cotton candy shades of blue
floating softly in the sky
beyond a dream
just around the corner
over the rainbow
lost on every aisle
gazing deep
into the icee machine
sugar buzz black out
left me
standing alone

Terry Darcy-Ryan







dedicated to my little sister, the Ginger Ninja
nothing but Love

we are chosen
the softest revelation
a whisper in the ear
my guide
resides inside the stars
every fallen one a trail of wonder
we are blinded by our choices
good and evil are a delusion
the fires burn bright on both sides
nobles bend to humble the saved
the willing serve a master
and feed the flames
until a whisper is no more
breathless is the audible silence
a still calm plays madness divine
direction is the next tossed coin
the answer empties
as water flows
through clasped hands
no whispers faint
no star fallen trail
no sunshine at midnight clear
the rear-view mirror
loaded  for retrospect
  dark wings of my brothers
a shadow cast across my face
as the fate I cannot escape


Terry Darcy-Ryan

the lonely plight  
of a dissident man

a single lucent light fueled in the night
so flows pontification and foresight

the crowd it incites
a mass devoted to their leaders spite

the light of one
the spark of another

forming the glow
of a stagnant umbra

this path of no resistance
is the wicked path at our insistence

it Juggles through the past
navigates the lost

untwists the fray
it is the sound that will not settle

a growl of medal
a clink and a rattle

the sound of chain
that engraves a pain

the gun on your temple with a pulled trigger
rush of blood in you ears, fear simple fear

a stab with a twist of knifed redemption
the next stick leads to your suffocation

now you understand how easily we shatter
our disappearance so final a matter

gods spell is knocking
loyal, dead and forgiving

the answer is a doorbell
unfeigned by heaven or hell

we abide times insight
waiting for a green light

a moment of enchantment
one final choice to exit

the one last chance
destined for happenstance  

as the rattlesnake stance
warns and demands  

ruling their charmer
into an alliance

the masses expand
for the malice at hand

arousing a jump in the fire
as the mob grows ******

alarming numbers
fall in shoulder to shoulder

follow the flock
a parade in sync

the fall of one
the march of another

until we no longer struggle


Terry D’ArcyRyan

I know    
I tell you this instant
I am under surveillance  
my life is being recorded indefinite
every movement
private or ordinary
including this moment
every event
big or insignificant
without my consent
there is no instant
when i am alone
only deep thoughts I no longer own
I am sure
I feel their stare
every hour they dare
can't you hear
the transmissions and communication
that high supersonic pollution
sending a command to their camera the observer
sometimes it’s near and sometimes it’s somewhere further
then I hear them, their inside the interior
I cannot explain
tell you when it came
how I missed them inside
but you now they always hide
what is sharp and clear
is the camera they put in here
right there in the Magnavox television
an ordinary TV became their mission
of course it still works with normal precision
no matter what action I take
it’s now in an unbreakable state
WHAT DID YOU SAY?
don’t look at me in that STUPID unbelievable way
you can’t conceive why
I won't just leave and be free
as much as I hate the show they see
I would rearrange the furniture down to the mantel
or even change the channel
to leave through the front door is not possible
the problems that it will intelle
outside, your crazy it's just short of suicidal
don’t you understand they are watching every intention
each direction
to plan and abandon
a walk out the door would terrorize
  I would be seen by all the eyes
the eyes in the sky
    you can't deny the satellites
catching everything like it's their right
dominating the outside day and night
pointed directly at My hidden front door
don't get me started on the store’s
once the night is in its darkest hour
I have tried to leave regardless their power
walk right out no longer the coward
that is what all the plans are for
I must make it out all my thought’s implore
I extend my hand and keep my eyes on the floor
holding the **** I begin the chore
then as if it were a signal
yes!! a secret signal
something Tucked deep inside to conceal
a dangerous secret
like a man in the shadows wearing the blackest hat
he conceals all the private things from my closet
the phone rings before I can even see the welcome mat
on a stunned level
It's always the same devil
I am obliged to acknowledge the scoundrel
we are immersed in his timing
an old move that is still so very cunning
a silence oh so staggering
my fear disorienting
they are listening
I pick up the phone
ignoring the radio source  
a land line of course
never touch a cellular they are the worst
the G P S will never let you go
cashiers at all the supermarkets will have a window
Strange ladies at the grocer
will be calling me by the name only I know
frozen with fear
the Receiver is on my ear
there is no one there
it's always the same dreaded silence
the attempt to scare me in alliance
must they listening for every performance
I know
it's them again
in here and on the other end
I am telling you I know and it's evident
they are recording my every movement
I am under surveillance
   I know

   Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

the perfect winter day
the house is warm, the fireplace a blaze
dinner simmering on the stove
a meal that will warm to the bone
my homemade Irish stew is perfect
for cold winter days and poisoning
you never finished the first bowl
that's when it hit you hard
my combines, the realization
that I disguised your demise
in a bowl of Irish stew
in the first stages you were surprised
not understanding what this is about
why I would **** you
I sat calmly watching you suffer
it is only fair at this point
waiting for the man I knew
you began to demand that I help you
to stop it, to fix it, to take it all away
and then the monster entered
reaching, sweeping and grabbing for me
you were getting slow and sloppy
I was prepared for this moment
you are done dealing out pain
we are down to seconds
you were doubled over in anguish
tears real tears to seal the deal
and now you are dead  
I like you better this way
back to the perfect winter day
there is always such a mess
with home cooking  


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

forged noble thread
guides a knife to cut or trace
sewing as you slumber
belief is a place right here
inside the very outline
to the scar on your face
time has not erased
the momentary recall
planted in the center
holding tightly to regret
humbled by the force
an energy that lives between us
the always spinning final chance
forgoing lost or found
reminisce in love’s true kiss
but disregard the vow  
grasping for the single reason
beyond what is clear
the day by day cheer
disguising a familiar fear
expression of a coward
an accessory to the hustle
left behind with souvenirs
a voice named forgotten
holds on sincere
having your cake and eat it dear
is a million mile detour
from what is real
to a girl with the most cake
a knife is just a knife
there is no death to mourn
no martyr to end betrayal
a final thread in motion
brings destiny to her feet
a magnificent stretch unfolds her wings  
I am set free
with the fate of a butterfly
trapped inside a jar
the weight of agony’s pain calls
for soul’s that cannot fly
with a bended knee and closed eyes
arms held wide
I reach for the sky


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

running with the wild things
racing ahead of shadows
claims from the sunshine
speckle lightly on the face

faster than her own feet
tripping a surface courageous
arm's length from disaster
always tugging at loose strings

nature’s constant movement
receives the fearless, little outlaw
landing soft at the top of a hill
intently picking flowers

chosen and counted
maintaining links for a chain
plucking only yellows and white
colors that shine in the night

skipping petals drowned scarlet red
blood from a heart broken
better off dead
I collided with the words
spoken as a child

all around her flowers bloom
this heart so strong in rebel spirit  
love will never stay long or abide
in a thing so wild

humbled forever by the moment
blinded by her crown
silenced with the presence
treasures hidden and found

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

the very Earth beneath
shakes and trembles
at my feet
horizons break
desert meets Sky

there is no escape
from the *******
always taking and creating
these rapes and shakes
to what end

my eyes dart and wander
like a bird
broken and lost
searching for something familiar
in the land and the frost

the hint of a life past
cannot touch this realm
standing in the shadows
I heard my voice
"welcome to paradise"



Terry D'Arcy-Ryan

knots and weaves
windward gales quickly deceive
ever moving the undertow
constant curves dip in the winds and below
blowing off the waters deep
leaving a mist so sweet
hand to cheek
blue waters press further
possessed by the wind
willful turbines stay in sync completing the cycle
shaping and sculpting the swells
creating an undertow struggling to be free
choose to swallow in pleasure
choose to wallow with the pain
an answer returns with demand
beating fists upon the sand
the wind answers back with violent command
to the tides, to the swells, to the surges, hit the rip current
so powerful, so aggressive, she intimidates
all to catch the craze
ocean, she see's and waves
man is met
sized and weighed


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

The light no longer exist
Only the dark and darkness is all I see
Deep in this under tow or psychotic shade
I sit with the obscurity that wicked made
to what end
Overlooked by veil or disguise
a spotlight in reprise

this ominous dark curtain drop
far beyond center stage a place marked X
from the blue sky's to my demise
his place is not hell this is dead in denial
late for the reaper and one last kiss
a dull sinkhole short of the abyss
writing in my head a plot and  a twist
the unreliable and suicidal list

darkness steps inside
devouring every nerve I hide
a paralyzing strangle
pressure from every angle
suppressed screams die within  
this predator's dream land
breathing escapes me
Movement leaves
against a constrictions reach
speech betrays again
sounds intense and stunning
listening still
the last melody hitting my ear
the breaking of bones
my shattering frame
  I did not recognize agony's
hiss and surrender

a soft vibration begins to rattle
a growl that began slow
made for the roar of a battle
Deafening
to the Echo inside my head
a sensation of hot water
dripping hot rain
Saliva running off huge fangs
waiting the command
a Bite deep in flesh
again and again

deep in the dark I've been set free  
piece by piece as a hunger feeds
a virtual force indeed
I suddenly see
behind the creature's eyes, my eyes
monstrous vision
to prey with Precision
darkness is everywhere
that's where I will be

I am the face screaming beneath a crack in the Ice
I am the scratch at the surface of you scared pale white
I am the movement in the dark you cannot see
I am the shine in a child’s smile while hiding a knife
I am Still alive, soaked in black and I am not alone
I am coming to tuck you in your bed
bless you with my kiss
to the sound of breaking bones




            Terry D’Arcy Ryan

a star marking the spot “you are here “
here resides in the wonder of millions
some names, some numbers, the old and the new
from the highest niche seen, a celestial view
the dare to follow a point steeper
the heart pounds mean, skips a beat in between
a pulse racing extreme, into this very moment
greater and closer to the reason

as clear as I live
as far as I can reach
the constant struggle with belief
pushes the wind uphill, with no relief
the ideal we are free as the will to bow our head
one knee is a spirit in repose,  two a heartfelt creed
and still I am weighed with the need
to whisper a prayer of revere when I leave
the unbelievable reach above one expectation
here imagine is the place, hope can still see

daydreams of great wings
simply unfold for closed eyes
a space beyond human affect
entering the threshold onto everything
and nothing more than sky
the places that I would give my life for
the places left long empty with despair
the places held forever kismet
the places marked with a star  “ you are here “

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

caught in the struggle to shine bright
upon the barred ledge
glass slats between the eyes of an iron mask
cut the shapes for new streams of light
twilight unites
these constant rivals in luminescence


surviving the mystery inside stillness
hypocrisies silhouette creating the ties that confine
inseparable unseen companion
the keeper of time
introduces in a constant whisper
a plea for rage to hinder and blind
the simplest answer casts across dark severed lines


shadows take a bow, urging a curtain call
dark dominates over a phantoms trail
dragging the images of reminisce
hope tumbles and stumbles  
the resemblance of leaves in descent
tossing with the winds erie kiss
ever adrift in the never of nothing at all


moonlights soft glow
roam a cemented showcase of slivers
thinly threaded beams of silk aspire
motion’s constant weave and web
turning a glimpse into a chain of clarity
crawling beneath an imposing despair
resisting the trade of insight for obscurity


I own this place hidden from shine
perched beside shadows design
inspired by a flicker to dodge and climb
beholding to the feel within a promise
steadily reaching for the light inside
to clear this barred ledge

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

a shot in the dark
a flash in the sky
the sound of thunder gives its reply
mother nature, instills no fear here
the enemy, and sorted beasts appear
slinking, stalking, moving precise and near
    we lay our heads in a monster’s care
    holding close to Michael’s prayer
the stars emphasize sincere
a twinkle and the constant shimmer
we embark in the fall of silent wonder  
beneath the surface of our dreams
back and forth
the luster of softness begins to weave
a song of hope and a day of peace
the guiding vision, life’s reminisce
inspires the bright, in a lunar rise
together we aspire, to fly starry skies
  embracing a light to shine
   the glow of a wish rendered divine


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

silent dares
slow engraved exchanges
the primitive evolution of rage
only the fittest will survive
hostility now has a spot at the table
there are no more place settings
the silver is set out perfect
a spoon, casts an oblong reflection
now, even the utensils see
there is nothing left of self respect
only the silver distorted version
of who I don't know, it is not me

strange little pieces
I swallow them over and over
when no one is watching
jagged little shards
cutting away at my insides
beauty she cries night and day
she has no idea that I’m killing her
I want her to stay
beauty is almost gone
the last parts, tiny odd slivers
are hidden away, in the bottom of my closet
vague, sharp and bitter no longer beauty

the path of least resistance
it's the only way to success
real images jump and regress
nothing takes a shape or focus
the fall and crash of glass
a precious mirror reflects what matters 
beauty is unaware 
images move slower and unclear
flashes of my father in a mirror
in this corner the heavyweight contender
my husband, my beloved, beauty's keeper
time merges and flickers closer

the path of least resistance
it's the only way to success 

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

the reticent stance
****** and silenced
exploited beyond a stranger provoked
labeled with a gaze from the heavens above
beautiful lifeless seduction
a posture of unselfish significance
cradling irreparable breaks
these fractures lay across the surface in reach
weaving into veins
running transparent
in the face of grace

perpetual standing ornament
earned years of gold and graying color
instilling times ruthless design
sympathy unwinds for blood left behind
the feel of separation with every piece taken
in waters that rage vast
her reflection cast
solid stone ruling sublime
rich and rough against a surface
striking hard and reckless
to a solidified center

twilight calls a land to order
prompting a dark curtain to call
and thoughts of a prayer for the mortal
all of which she can and cannot hear
like the sound of thunder distinct and eerie
with a hammer and chisel
breathes the sculptor of bone and matter
broken battered figurine clatter
turning a grave into impressions of control
mercy has no hands here
to Hold her sorrow still
magnificent and well defined stone
imprison her soul

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

a single drop
escapes and shapes
the one reforms into the many
forces merge and maintain the center
as an ocean to a clear running stream
effortless delicate movements
the beautiful semblance of creation
only free when infinity extends an open hand
we gracefully bend submitting to the wind
ever escalating the highest life and limb
gales roll in and away
drifting wide and floating astray
iridescence is indescribable yet defines
the sky as she decides a color
her choice always a brilliant contrasting horizon
grandiloquent patterns push to lavish design
extending to no less than the highest point
contours of jewels and soft silky edges
expand in the flourishing demand
moving on in an elaborate showdown
illumination has changed direction
mist is abundantly clear
looting and diverting a moon’s glow
enhancing the sky’s light with spectrum’s of sight
diamonds in the sky
these silhouettes fall into a slow embrace
obscurity celebrates movement
with this final chance in a dance
abstract is an overachiever here
endlessly molding a new shape
a familiar sight replaces the mirage
swarming the moonlight to be still
to see the secret inside a shimmer
the very heart of all things  
where a reminiscent choral sound
rhapsodies pure aesthetic
calls you to a sublime slumber
magnificent claims this place of illusion
a majestic showing of dreams and nightmares
more is all we need
patiently we await the kiss from bliss
her touch behind the eyes
opens up the skies
for an Ethereality


Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

I am a hypocrisy twisting turning from wrong to right
lunacy identifies and claims me while in plain sight
black and white define my movement, I am
                        Renegade

the home I left is shaken, a snow globe scattered soft
one more piece set free in the fragments that remain
anger crushing calling to jump off the edge, I am
                           Fury

already deemed a lost cause repeat offender at large
a choir of innocence sings my deception
one last measure for retrospect I confess, I am
                        Suspect

my denial is the promise of bliss, a glimpse into oblivion’s empire, the fall of the mighty is overkill and gets me nowhere
survival is the fuel to my star’s fire, brighter than ever, I am
                        Conviction

an unexpected gift, don't you see your betrayal set me free
daydreams of black wings and letters full of lies
the pieces taken for prison are replaced with tenacity
                    I am, Sheer-Terror

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

I played Russian Roulette today
The trigger felt amazing
Your shadow stopped me
I felt complete
To destroy you
Instead

Just like when you say Baby
And smile bright
Like a circus light
I love you
Instead

I planned your Demise today
The trigger felt amazing
My shadow stopped me
I felt complete
To destroy myself
Instead

Just like when I say Baby
And lie in spite
This is my right
That I love you
Instead

I had a Blade made just for two Today
The look and feel is amazing
There will be no shadows in this foreplay
I felt complete
To destroy Us
Instead

Just like when we say Baby
Turning in that perfect Circle
Like a Merry go round
That I perfectly hate you
Instead



Terry D'Arcy-Ryan

monstrous sound slashes silence
the bellow of a giant beast,
the flutter of a thousand wings
elevation and indiscriminate creed will not heed
sinister stirs the mix, the rise of wicked extravagance
black feathers flutter to bewilder against the pale frontier
the mock of a starlings flight, the fall in a sparrow’s might
countless sullen wings unfold, to rally their squadrons for show
a mobbing cry meets a redeeming sky,
their rising tones mimic heaven heralding high
contrast to the core, countless black rap-tor destroy
the fading blue sapphire display
a rebel twist in the storm suspends them again
harbingers dawning
a verge of wonder, stands close
the small dark outlines, bask a golden shine
peripheries slight motion, a graceful shimmer
perched as an alert, the slight snap of the fingers
a single feather cascades
turning in the elegant dance of a ballerina's descent
laying at the step vaguely pointing to the entrance,
the pride of a black bird,
there is no place for an Omen here,
one last frailty, is my secret near and dear

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

each counted piece
claimed scot free
beautiful designer name’s
boosted in a hunter’s craze
hustled hope for beggar’s pay
strictly spent audacity
dollars in hand
turns an eye the devils way
it adds up fast, cut the stack in half
traded for a getaway
let it ride another day
living in a higher space
the rent is steep, edge of a mountain peak
separates the sow and the reap
and every breath in between
intoxicated on possibility
the grit to devour and shine,
the essence I define
insatiably taking what’s mine
watching the bottom line,
wise to the final count,
a sum of all things
the take

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

the house shines bright, it takes every light
sleep refuses to dream, a reverie extreme
the plan to outsmart, a shot in the dark
trigger for a steel mention, the spelling of my name
directed to a lead core, dead center to each letter
primed for flight, a jacket of lead dares our right
a ripping force of violent heat, to rupture complete  
rendered lethal for the take down, a fatal round
chambered by a ******, posted at heaven’s door

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

the appearance, an impression to please
living buried underneath, tucked inside to reside in need
wanting stains the hands of hope, to bend a knee and pray
understanding madness, as a cold still reach
the peaks of destiny’s belief
shadow’s our semblance, long before we could see
a tedious churning thickness
disturbed, requires cover for the comfort of restraint
breathing in the deep, to calm this keep
losing ground to stay clear, the voice of fear
a volatile sound, now rounded and fit for chain
freedom is the Idea realized and never ever seen
the scourge, calls to be wound down for spite
winding it and winding it once again
the tighter the twist, until we cannot fix
the risk and the urge to tighten again
until the weight of knowing, is sure to weaken
a turning of events borders the peaceful calm surface
the appearance, an impression to please
the pretty place perfect for a keepsake
preciously smothered to appear tame, kept in a frame
refusing to entertain or warn with her Screams
misery holds tight her hammer and swings  
                                                                      
Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

eyes meet, the intimate adore
face to face, lips gently brush
desire delivered in the click of a lock
hands clutched around your neck
the shock, the tightening hold
a gripping strength, a slow squeeze
the mind dazed, the hunt to breathe
hardwired impulse, the raw surging force
reaching, touching, clawing a hands grip
the steadfast capture, enforcing an iron reap
the heat and hiss of a monster, slices in your ear
tears fall for God’s wretched care
dry upon your cheek, the final kiss
the silent suffocation, an impression so sincere

pain defends the will to see and breathe clear
aware adorns the eyes, in pictures of reminisce
the danger of your kiss, the pace in your violent embrace
the power of your stare, hands fast on my neck
viselike is the hold, so I can feel reborn
to stand on the furthest edge
and trespass into the abyss

planted deep, thriving sweet
growing, entangled in a reach
extending into many more
beneath a shallow surface
there is no abyss, I am the abyss
the abyss resides inside me
waiting in the dark, flourishing  

Terry D'Arcy-Ryan