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