I live in her shadow

Each step of mine

Is first plotted by her

My every breath

In succession to hers

The words in my mouth

Are hers alone

Each one I whisper

She spoke first

It is her voice in my head

Telling me to be a good boy

A good son

But that’s not what I want

Not what I need

But I live in her shadow

I am her hands

Pale

Strong

I am her fingers

Wrapped tightly around the knife

I live in her shadow

Always in her shadow