we walk the stone
burden headlong and bold
ready for another blow
hold to the brutality
the vice against our bone
side by side we prevail alone
the weak break and erode
an eternal battle of the undertow
we take our hits
feel it hardest to the soul
on our knees we settle our hearts
ear to the core
hear the grinding toll
each piece honed
chips of bone disappear like snow
there is no hush of the abating groan
the sum we owe and stash for mediocre
grating over simple
the indifference of will
seeking a silent vigil
encouraging a place reserved for the ****
we are free
as the pressing need
to calm a stone machine
endless crimes, hustles and lies
sink us to deeper depths
a tight embrace of every breath
a slow drowning reach
that much closer to our mercy
in a state of grace she will concede
bowed for a head shot inscription
buried strand of honor
lived against the stone
engraved for display
to complete
your grave

Terry D'Arcy-Ryan