I have exonerated you
four hundred ninety times,
hating you in twice
as many lines
but pain remains
my central theme.

I think of you
in four-letter words
and all the voices
in my head
keep wishing you dead.

Anger builds;
peace sends out
a desperate cry.

I must delve into
and beyond
the agony, find
the path of acceptance
and forgiveness –
if not
for your wrongs
then for my rights.