A child cries, as a promise is given, lives are entwined, destinies written
Encased within this ancient stone, where one night she would lie alone
Hiding away damaged, frail, her tear stained face languid, pale.
No one knew, no one would care, she couldn’t tell, she wouldn’t dare.
No longer a child she fled the town, free as a bird, no longer held down.
But freedoms anguished friend was pain, once more she was on the move again
Bruised & battered from fist & wall, she picked up the phone, made the call
Leaving with only an old guitar, she fled on foot having no car.
At the age of twenty once more alone, she returned again to the ancient stone 
Within its sacred walls she found love, peace & serenity from above.
Touching the old, once familiar pews, the polished smooth wood of many hues
She sank to her knees to pray a while, then left, looking back with a haunted smile
Remembering all her yesterdays, all her timeless, carefree, lazy days
Where were they now her friends of old? No way of knowing, the trail was cold. 
She knew no one, not a soul, no one to hold her or console,
Hurrying, she caught the last train, closing the book on her heartache & pain.
The child had grown & he loved her so. He never envisaged letting her go
He bought her a ring, promised her the world & so her brave new life unfurled.
Two beautiful children followed quickly, year by year they grew up swiftly
But married just on 14 yrs, she’s alone again, but this time no tears
He left her, just walked out one day, saying there was nothing left to say…...
She didn’t argue, she didn’t fight, she was content to lie alone at night
Agreeing amicably to share the house, she’d be a friend, but not a spouse 
She’d been called daughter, wife & mother. Now, she was lovingly known by another
She had a granddaughter, cute as pie, without a doubt, the apple of her eye
At almost 60, she felt she’d achieved, but secretly her wretched life had deceived
For when fate dealt her his final ace, without hesitation she drove to his place
18 long years had slowly passed, now she’d feel the touch of a man at last
For in 2020 in the grip of Covid, quite by chance her emotions exploded
Just one day, in a week of firsts, but one that would leave her forever with a thirst
She held no guilt, she felt no shame, she knew from the start it was only a game
But...Oh! How could wrong feel so right? Just a few hours, not even a night
He was grieving, mixed up, stressed, she was naked, stroking his chest
His arms held her tight, a passionate embrace, she welcomed his kisses, savoured his taste
He touched her tenderly, expertly even, her body in blissful ecstasy heaving.
They laid for a while ‘till each were sated, but time & tide against them was weighted
Driving away & the tears began, for the first time ever the touch of a man
Had made her feel wanted, excited a woman, but never again would he lie in her bosom
They spoke the next day, but try as they might, their chatting was difficult, polite.
Then after a week, she deleted his number, strangers again, just as when they were younger.
She’d cry for that day, as she’d cried as a child, that babe in arms so meek & mild.
For he’d been there too, on that long ago day, ever since he’d had a demon to slay
She’d done it for him, laid it to rest, now parted again, no one must guess.
She’ll treasure her secret to the grave and beyond, he’s Mars to her Venus…..he’s already moved on.