Myself Broken

In the reflection of the mirror, I see you. I do. I see you. But not just you, no, not just you, I see me too. Born different. Born tougher. You were, and no one knew why. Until now. The last of three I was born, most like my mother. Born tougher and no one knew why but me. Until now. And without you I'll feel just like myself-broken. You were never around until dinner time, quietly, swiftly, efficiently you moved across the kitchen and I barely remember you at all, at all, at all. Yet when you're gone, I'll be exactly myself-broken. Off to bed you had to go to get up before dawn to bring home money so we could survive. Seems I only remember saying 'goodnight'. But I had food in my belly as I slept like a baby. Thank you. You gave me you, not through interaction getting to know each other daughter/ mother. But in my bones, in my blood, in my strength, I am you. You gave me the best of you. But my weaknesses are me and the best part of me is what you gave me. In your dark, who will I be? What war will I fight? What will I be strong for, or despite? Will I let people in? Will I always love? Yes, yes I will. Because I will not be afraid. When you go, leave me, don't take me. Take the me in myself-broken and leave a stronger girl a tougher girl. A girl who knows when to say 'no'. And 'I love you' and 'let me be' and 'fix yourself before you 'fix' me'. Yeah go ahead and take the me in myself-broken. I love you. And I'll be strong for you. After you. Always I will be brave.