Shadow-tied

I needed you to see me—not as a burden, but a mirror.

Your voice was fire, but never meant for me.

I learned to covet love in your absences.

You held the world like it was always nearer

than I could ever hope or dream to be.

I needed you to see me—not as a burden, but a mirror.

You called it freedom, while I stood inferior,

shadow-tied, unseen, too close to flee.

I learned to covet love in your absences.

You never knew my silence grew severe—

a room you left, but one I couldn’t leave.

I needed you to see me—not as a burden, but a mirror.

I shaped myself in outlines you made clearer

by never turning back, by letting me believe.

I learned to covet love in your absences.

Now, even dreams grow dimmer, disappearer—

but still I wait for what you didn’t see.

I needed you to see me—not as a burden, but a mirror.

I learned to covet love in your absences.