THE GATEKEEPER

the skyline holds time as shadows vanish

darkness claims the sunset like an avalanche

faint sounds from the passing of the sun

wake aging prophets

an old street shines like half a moon

stops signs and streetlights bend for recollection

illuminating the way back home

like feathers in the wind

I claim this place in memory's defense

taunting me, calling me, inspiring a visit

enlightened shortcuts of madness beg me to exist

beautiful winds reunite the path where I always kept watch

alive again and moved by serenading locust

mother's whistle signals a last minute warning

eager faces turn intent for the race that fly's us home

barefooted barely touching the asphalt

flying for the victor’s just reward

measured over and forever the distance to our front door

with a birds pace we keep foot to foot, over and again

yes we're here, ear to ear keeping the perfect pace

transcendent is this place

indignant will begins the pretense

ignoring all exits

I am once more the Gatekeeper

miles mark our years endeared

life has dealt us hands separate and fatal

trailing again I let you win

now you stand deep in my sight

catching your breath, to be claimed triumphant

all my senses dive in for the quench

as hope drops me like an anchor

every tingling nerve that is my existence

runs fated and bound

now you stand deep in my essence

assured by your eyes so alive

our giggles and stares

in an instant I become the intruder

found failing, time mocks and stalks me

I would give all right here and now

to hold your hand, warm with life

I become resistant and mighty as the titan

sure to win by force or stride

I've counted insane these links in my chain

still destiny sentences you to remain

hand in hand I pull you close and life takes you back

this tradition, time demands

endless subtle calls

the voice I follow home

a nick of time escape

possessing a map of this world

and a place in time

where I find you alive

Terry D'Arcy-Ryan

Michael Gene Dorsey

May 21st, 1966 to April 11, 2011

Author's Note

I am the gatekeeper my job is forever. I wrote this for my Baby Brother Michael. Michael passed away in 2011 and I miss him so. The cherished memories of playing outside when your mom calls you home. We race all the way back as the sunsets you can hear the locust serenading anyone who will listen and the smell of dinner as you are approaching the front door. I visit this place often to see Michael, and I am the Gatekeeper again. If your still reading thank you and God Bless.

Reviews

[robert harris jr]

fabulous outstanding writting this the reason why I enjoy writting the power to trance send time control the past I lighten the future take readers with me become one with my readers lend spiritual guidance love and abmortion keep infinity alive in the world

[ROXANE DORSEY]

I know the feeling all too well, loosing a loved one at 7 years old. The hole in my heart can never been filled. Gone too quick. Thanks for sharing this wonderful poem//talent.

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Roxane, this is one of my poems I say is blood of my blood I put a piece of myself in this one. to honor my brother. thank you for breathing life into a poem I hadn't read lately and for the stellar review. God bless
Sheer Terror

[DANGER]

This is beautiful. I felt like all things were in their right place and ethical. No danger. It was so nice to hear that someone was happy somewhere. I think, compared to something I wrote about losing home, that the poem/writing was BEAUTIFUL/ENCHANTING.

IT WAS PERFECT.

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Danger, what a perfect and inspiring review. I am thrilled that you relate and enjoy my step back in time. Thank you for taking the time to read and review

Sheer Terror

[Coyote Poetry]

Beautiful photos and thoughts. I liked the story told in the poetry. Being a gatekeeper is great responsibility. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and thoughts.
Coyote

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Coyote thank you for taking the time I always enjoy your review.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome my friend.

[Michael S]

Terry, what shall I say...I have read most of your works...it feels like I am reading your biography ...you convey yourself and your feelings wonderfully through your poems. There is so much one can learn from you..
You seem to have gone through sufferings and pain but you fought it back...
Great tribute to your brother. I am sure he must be somewhere happily leading his time in the universe. Writings that contain the fond memories of past are always precious.

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Thank you Michael I really enjoyed writing this. It ended up being very long. I hate editing it will drive you mad what to keep what to throw aside. In the end it was all about returning home to be the Gate keeper. God Bless

Sheer Terror

[wordman]

such a beautiful tribute,and the poem of memories ,you keeping the gate,you allow the memories to come in and out

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Mr. Word man I appreciate you opinion. Thank you for taking the time, God Bless.

Sheer Terror

[wordman]

you are wellcome

[Pete]

this is simply amazing. such powerful words and imagery knitted together expressing your love and missing him. this is so powerful that it conjurs him up and brings him back through your words. i can feel it. mourning for those carefree times growing up together. this clearly comes from deep within the heart. a wonderful tribute. don't see how it could get any better than this. there is just so much inside of you. a literary monster has been unleashed. unbelievable!

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSheerTerror]

Thank you so much Pete as always I am thrilled with your review and that you enjoy the imagery. God Bless

Sheer Terror