A dark red stain spreads

Before my eyes.

I see reflected in it our lives together -

All my smiles, all your lies.

How did it come to be this way?

When did it all go wrong?

I never thought we'd be so trapped

In a silent dance to a silent song.

I remember your smile

When we made our vow.

That smile soon became

Another frown in another row.

And after the rows

Came the horrors I could never tell.

You used your fists to put me down,

To make my life a hell.

My tears mingled with my blood,

Every wound left a brand new scar.

I used to wish for an escape from you -

I'd wish on every star.

I finally took my chance today,

With courage I'd never had.

And now I watch your flowing blood -

You're dead, and I'm free at last.

Copyright © Catriona Elizabeth Mowat 2006