Dark Spaces

Dark Spaces

She flings harsh words with reckless abandon;
he silences sobs for re-opened wounds.
Her tears trail against his innocent cheek,
their presence as familiar as the whispered apologies.
His angelic face, so sweet and forgiving,
evokes even deeper, self-loathing disdain.

Secretly, she vows, once more, to make amends
for spilling her pain on his tender, young heart.
With the morning sun, new hope arises,
forgiveness and relief in bountiful measure.
Disquieting memories threaten the peace
and easily slip into dark, hazy spaces.

Maybe this time was really the last,
the unspoken prayer of mother and son.

Pat Nelson
October 13, 2010
Revised September 23, 2011