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