The Court Room was empty: the Jury was hung
On a verdict of Guilty for what he had done
The victims were children both under sixteen
The Judge was frustrated, his mood, now, was mean.

The lawyer had argued those kids didn't mind
Complicit in silence - just two of a kind.
You had only to look at the pain on the face
Of the mother who just wanted out of that place.

For only she knew what the Jury did not
A Life Sentence was what her children had got
Shunned by her folks, her friends and her peers
Their mother was facing the worst of her fears.

The Court Room was Silent "You're ready, I see,"
"To hand down your verdict. Did you all agree?"
"Your Honor, he's guilty beyond any doubt."
A very loud "Y-E-S-S-S-S-S!!" was the jubilant shout.

The Judge sighed and stated "This case has ended"
"Bail has been granted - the sentence suspended."
It's now two years and three months down the track
The children can't get their innocence back.

The mother fights daily to build a new life
Her children are always in trouble and strife
For time doesn't mend the terrible scars
Of Child Sexual Abuse - not even steel bars!