Catharis - for little Beth

For Beth

When you come to me
in the shadows of the night
creeping down the backroads
hiding from the light
I  know who you are
although you think I don't
words from you
remind me
not to say a  word
I won't!

When you come to me
in the gloom that shrouds the day
hiding in the corners
and your dark whisper
asks will I play
I will frown and recollect
your words from the past
not to say a single word
or it will be
my last!

Why you came to me
I will never know
untruths that were spoken
were not there just for show
mislead and corrupted
innocence led astray
but still you insisted
not a word
must I say!


But if you came to me today
now that I am grown
the product of your cruelty
reaped from what was sown
pain and insecurity
emotions from the past
remembering all you said and did
tortured to the last

That little girl
is no more
she grew and ran away
hiding in her womanhood
so she wouldn't have to play
And when those whispers haunt her
and she knows what he said
and all the grown ups insisted
it was all in her head
Uncles don't behave like that
they are kind and good and true
I wonder if they would change their mind
if it happened to them too!

So when you came to me today
clothed in honeyed smiles
assured and outspoken
I  showed my womanly wiles
I whispered in your ears
all the pain you put me through
and insisted that its a secret
what I am going to do to you
and in a moment of lame regret
you staggered to the door
pleading your aplogies
that it won't happen anymore
my words  echo
loud and clear
and I knew you would understand
every word I spoke to you
and everything I planned
and as a parting gift to you
I remind you of your threats
to a little girl who never knew
that no did not mean yes
there is no promise in what I say
I mean it full and true
and if you utter a single word
you know
what I will do!