When he hits her

it is with the malice of winter waves

rage swelling

rage crashing

upturning everything that lies beneath

When he asks for forgiveness

he returns to her

as the sea returns to the shore;

tentative white lace

humming a smooth melody

The tide taking and depositing

simultaneously 

When this happens

sunrise after sunrise

decade after decade -

he permeates the deepest parts of her;

water suffocates sand;

sand becomes malleable;

she finds herself riddled

with the footprints of strangers