Shadows of the Past

It won’t take long, to get there,

If you come along with me.

You might not even notice,

and that piece is quite key.

It starts with a gentle dimming;

don’t dare to shine so bright.

At first, you’ll choke, then swallow

your truth to avoid a fight.

Your needs are no longer necessary;

don’t dream or have a want.

You believe that you’re not worthy,

yet deserving of each taunt.

Carefully, you choose your words;

voice silenced, don’t you speak.

Keep pouring from an empty cup;

their kindness, no longer seek.

Forget the person you were before,

your friends, your family.

What’s left now, a shadow

of the one you used to be.

Until the day, you see her,

afraid to be her best.

Someone has been watching

when you hid from all the rest.

And that is when you wake up,

a fight worth fighting for.

Your daughter will not shrink herself;

you’ll give her wings to soar.

It didn’t start with you, of course;

you watched your mother bend.

An inheritance not chosen—

with you, it will now end.