Shattered dreams

I've survived nearly 40 years,
a lifetime of shattered dreams.
I've probably shed a million tears
been woken up from my own screams.

My heart was shattered
my arms have ached,
I've tried to pick up the pieces scattered
looked for ways to escape
the pain and tears
shed through the years
my lifetime scattered
the pieces shattered.

Everyone can imagine
the hardest thing that a mother to do
is say goodbye to her child
and lay them in the ground.
Sadly, that's not always true.
Life surrounded by violence
where others remain
and stand in a deafening silence
has proven to be a heavier ball and chain.