The spectre of darkness shadowed
the sacred space of matrimonial bliss
with the trappings of desire,
the formulaic ‘lifestyle’ mirror of self —
wants and needs threatening to capture
mind and spirit, a concert
of phantasy and illusions and
songs sang on stage promised to dull
the fruit of transgression,
to mask recurring ache that stems
from betrayal of childhood innocence.
The psychological nightmare that waits
in the wings must be obliterated
with the power of prayer
for the light of hope and the seeds of love
can vanquish all threats
to the sanctity of life at its rawest.
Society is challenged not to give in
to predators and purveyors
imaging life like vacuous footprints
of self-indulgence to escape flashbacks
of victimhood and echoes of pain.