As Darkness Falls

As Darkness Falls
(free verse)

She stood knee deep, firmly held, in mud.
Trembling hands held her dress above her knees.
Splotches of dirt like ink blots have stained
the green and white lace confection,
the night-time robe that covered her body.

Her feet bled like stigmata on a holy relic.
Long wicked scratches decorated arms and legs.
She ran to escape, to hide, to cower from
the power of his hands, the smell of his lust,
his demands on her body and lost soul.

As darkness falls, she pauses and wonders anew.
O Lord, how long must I suffer and wait
for comfort, for release from my fate?
Shall I suffer eternally for one moment's mistake,
For falling in love with a monster?

Please God, rescue me.