The courtroom is now silent,

The trial ended.. no one wins;

As we leave one phase of grief

Another one rapidly begins.

 

Two women sit in opposition now,

Once closer than two sisters could be;

One torn apart by the "Halls of Justice"

As "he" was taken away...hastily.

 

The silence was almost deafening,

Both sitting with their thoughts and fears;

One - claiming a hollow victory,

The other - left with nothing but tears.

 

Their sobs echoed through the courtroom

As I and others sat in stony silence,

Feeling the pain and anguish that

Had been building up in both, since

 

The day a little child came forth

After years of silence from abuse;

Both families now were shattered,

Even Justice couldn't be a refuge.

 

Her words, finally heard, made the difference,

Written by her hand.. an occasional mis-spelled word;

Touched the hearts of all that were present,

No longer silent.. she was finally heard.

 

We are left now to pick up the  pieces

From irreparable damage that's occurred,

Three children go to sleep tonight without

Their father's "goodnight"....always heard.

 

One never considers the damaging cost

That is paid by these innocents,  until

It returns to the point of beginning..

Where it remains...and always will.

 ~Twilah~