“Shell(y)”

by Shelly Moore Caron

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Everything I do is for my children.
I keep a double last name so I will match them.
I gave up everything I am to be beside them. 
I’ve shed all that was so I could raise them. 
I lost track of who I am because I owe them.
I owed all that I am because I birthed them.
When others chose themselves, I stood beside them.
I stayed up day and night to pacify them.
I became battle hardened so I could guide them.
I give all I’m able to provide them.
I may not always get it right, but I try for them.
I make impossible decisions so I can give them 
everything I am because I love them.

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