This poem raised questions about our definitions:
 Offender or Victim or Survivor?

A WALL FILLED WITH TEARDROPS

I built a wall of teardrops in my dreams again last night.
Through all the years and countless tears I thought I'd won the fight.
But my mind keeps slipping backwards as it seeks the dreadful past 
and sets the solid footing on which this wall will last.

The first brick wall was the argument that we should 
never have commenced
Just a couple of words in anger and the quarrel was entrenched.
On bended knees I pleaded and begged for her to stay.
But the second brick was laid as she turned and walked away.

This wall was growing larger each time I apologised
But she just kept walking and I failed to realise
That she needed time to ponder the words that had been spoken
Not knowing that in the distance lay her body, torn and broken.

When I stumbled on her body, as it lay there in the sand
I fell down there beside her and gently took her hand
I whispered that I loved her as I carried her in my arms
And the crimson flowing liquid dripped from her open palms.

I was innocent of the charges for her life that was now no more
But they threw me in a prison slamming shut the heavy door
For five long years I suffered before they set me free
And I wandered in a timeless land in permanent agony.

But God blessed me with another who in marriage took my hand
Who vowed to live and honour, but more, to understand.
She took upon an awesome task where others would have failed
To nurse me back to sanity, along the narrow trail.

She toiled and battled valiantly as she worked daily by my side
Joining in my laughter and weeping when I cried.
Trying hard to lift my spirits to give purpose for my life
Having the talents of a mother and the compassion of a wife.

Well our union has flourished and has stood the test of time
And we have raised two lovely children with the help of the Divine.
And I would not change the purpose for you're truly my delight

But I built a wall with teardrops in my dreams again last night.