“Mother’s Ghost”

By Shelly Moore Caron

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Is anyone truly happy?

I doubt they ever are.

We wear our suits of armor

To cover up the scars.

•

I spend most days in mourning

For a life that isn’t mine,

Trading every quiet longing

For what I’ve left behind.

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A mother’s love knows no limits –

The ones who care enough.

Hide ourselves in shadow,

Giving the world just enough.

•

Our reserve tanks hover empty,

Our pillows cradle loss,

Soaked with all we’ve given

As we die upon our cross.

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No one sees what we surrender,

The ones who gave it all –

Cutting off our own limbs

To help our children crawl.

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We still dream what might fill us,

To overflow these cups,

But for now, we live in silence –

Giving blood for those we love.

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