I am not the shadow cast by your name,
Not the echo trapped in your flame,
Not the mold you forged to bend my spine,
Nor the shape you cut to fit your design.

You call me mirror, you call me heir,
But I am not bound by the burdens you bear.
I am not your anger, nor your fears, nor your past—
I'm the shatter of chains you thought would last.

So say what you will, throw what you may—
I'm not your image; I'll find my own way.

— I am Not You , 10/2/24