She sees you sit alone there
In the middle of the night
The glow of your cigarette
The only sign of life

She feels in you the anguish
Of a life not reconciled
The need that burns within
To set the wrongs to right

She understands your pain
As it reflects her own
For she could not provide
A safe secure home

She knows the images
Are burnt into your mind
The fear ever present
Of one so harsh and unkind

She feels that she has failed you
In a woman’s foremost role
To keep you safe and protected
Inside your own home

Though you are an adult now
And have children of your own
You choose to isolate yourself
And spend your time alone

Her hand reaches out to you
Though you are unaware
How she wishes she could tell you
Just how much she cares.

Trish Johnston 8th February 2014