Poster Child Poem by Kelly Boutin

I held you close to my chest
I was your poster child at best
I wore your heart around my neck
I displayed your artwork to the world
All my love was visible

You have taught me to love
You have taught me to show
Things I didn't know how to feel
You have help shaped who I am
in my mind you held my hand

I held you close in fear of loss
I needed hope just because
I felt helpless in this world
I feel different now not worse

I have healed a little bit
I have grown somehow in spite
Of all that's torn apart my life
All that's broke my heart in half
It has cured my search for answers

You have shown me to show
Who I am just for myself
To reach my dreams even if
I have nothing to show for it

Oh you were a trophy that I wore
To show I had conquered hurt
Now I'm not afraid to show I care
Or to keep it in my heart

I have healed a little bit
I have grown somehow in spite
Of all that's broken me in life
All the changes we have seen
All the battles we have won

Makes me happy I have took you
On this lifelong journey
So here's to who I am and who I used to
And who I may be along the way