In the sacred place of my soul, a tale I will share,
A ballad of torment, my heart laid bare.
I stand here before you, with a heavy heart,
A victim of abuse, torn apart.
Dilemma, my prison, love’s cruel game,
In the shadows of fear, I bear the shame.
Blood stains my spirit, each ordeal anew,
Haunted by humiliations, I thought I knew.
He, my spouse, in whom I once believed,
Now a source of pain, where love’s reprieved.
With each strike, the crimson river flows,
Yet love’s shackles bind me, and no one knows.
My foes and loved ones, voices raised high,
“Leave him behind,” they would fervently cry.
But love’s stronghold grips my every thought,
Hope lingers within, that change will be brought.
Society’s whispers, judgment’s cruel embrace,
Divorcee’s label, my heart fears to face.
The church’s gaze, with condemning eyes,
Leaving me to ponder, trapped in love’s guise.
For the sake of our children, I chose to stay,
To shield them from darkness, come what may.
Caged by endless pains and beatings, I silently bear,
A prisoner of love, lost in despair.
This ballad I sing, a plea to be heard,
For those trapped in love, their voices unheard.
May compassion and understanding light their way,
And bring an end to the torment, one fateful day.
© Ifedolapo Ogunniyi
Ifedolapo Ogunniyi 