Fragility hides behind a daughter’s façade,

resilience earned through efforts while

shattered dreams litter the landscape

mirroring a breeze’s trail etched into sand

 

leading to her long-abandoned shell, coated

by a fine film of salt crystals that cling

to rough cervices, binding fractured segments

yet glimpses of a pearlescent interior remains

 

a once safe harbour to a young child’s dreams;

before obligation and expectation’s heavy toll

pounded against its fortified calcium crust

encasing memories of that neglected part

 

hands aged by time tremble, brushing aside

disappointment’s caustic dust and collect

the cracked remains shimmering in sunlight, 

and survive to push forward another day.