THE BROKEN MIRROR

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 perfectly

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

the jagged little shards

cutting away at my insides

beauty she cries tragic

posses-ed in wanting  

stray parts, blinding tiny slivers

hidden away vague

carving embers sharp with 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 shatters 

beauty knows nothing 

images move off and on unclear

flashes of my father in a mirror

and in this corner the heavyweight contender

my husband, my beloved, beauty's keeper

time merges and flickers a little closer

the path of least resistance

it's the only way to success 

Terry D’Arcy-Ryan

Reviews

[Harley Quinn]

Great flow of words. Wonderful poem.

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Snow Angel, It makes me happy when some one relates to my writing thank you for taking the time to read and review

[Weeping willow]

I love this poem,your words speak volumes to me.Loved the flow.Building images throughout the write with depth of emotions;-]

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Weeping Willow, thank you so much for the amazing review I always enjoy when someone relates to my poetry. I almost held back posting this. It really exposes a raw nerve, a confusion, a battle for control while overwhelmed with disappointment all for Love.

Sheer Terror

[Toxic Angel]

I love this, from the words you use to the metaphors and meaning behind it, it is so emotive and painful, expressions like "Strange little pieces
I swallow them over and over
when no one is watching" makes it a unsettling read, you nailed it

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Toxic Angel, great pain will tear at your center leaving scars. Scars remind us where we have been. Thank you for reading and an amazing review God Bless

Sheer Terror

[Carol Cashes]

My goodness! Women have always had a subculture of "..the path of least resistance." I was raised in the South, and was told "Be nice!" which was woman-speak for "say sorry, don't make waves, be compliant". I HATE those words to this day. This is very good, evokes uneasy and vague recollections of being silently and by example the best way for me to be in this world. I, too, bucked. Luckily for me, puberty hit me around the '70's and that culture could be blamed for my distrust in authority and wayward ways from the Southern Belle doctrine. I'll be reading more of your stuff. Good job.

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Carol, I have daughters and granddaughters that have no clue what it is like to live without freedom of speech. Their generation is the age of information and they document everything they do. I write to release and I do hope their listening or reading my stuff. this poem is about marrying the man just like your father and the cycle continues.
Thank you for reading and reviewing, God Bless

Sheer Terror

[Carol Cashes]

Yes, you're right. They read and they understand the words, but they can never truly "get it" till they've lived it. I hope they are reading your stuff, too. Firstly and mostly - it's excellent writing.

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Thank you Carol I appreciate the Superior words. If you want a good laugh read the first poem on my list called " Home Cooking " I think you will appreciate it.

[flyingfree]

Beautifully written. Something pressed at my heart when I read this. The pain in the words are a pain I can almost feel myself.

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Flyingfree, this is pain it is so personal I almost didn't post and its been a few years since I lived with my Ex. I still carry the scars. In the end may someone relate to this in a way that it gives them courage to know life is in a constant changing cycle just when you think your at your end its not the end by any means. I thank you for taking the time and leaving such an amazing review.

Sheer Terror

[flyingfree]

Anytime! I love to read your writing. Please keep writing.

[Pete]

this so powerfully pours out from a place of uncontrollable hurt. no one deserves such abuse. despite the unpleasant subject, a wonderful metaphor and imagery which captures perfectly the shattering of more than glass. resonating and skillfully written. not easy to present something so raw but you've done it. an unpleasant journey that leaves its mark. mirrors don't lie - they reflect the truth of what is there. amazing writing.

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Pete, I wrote this and then hesitated for days should I let everyone see the things that have cracked and damaged me. Despite it all in the end I hope that I can touch someone in away to display there are no happy endings you can be broken, damaged beyond belief, a survivor, resilient, beautiful and ready for whatever is next.
As always your review is top notch I thank you.

Sheer Terror

[Pete]

i can relate to the unpleasantries of life as most of us can. thanks for bravely sharing. it's great.

[wordman]

wow,you put so much into your writing,loved the imagery ,loved the poem

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Wordman, this one is a little abstract from my norm.
Thank you for reading and reviewing