Just like you

I decided a long time ago I wanted to be just like you.

I would mimic the words from your mouth before you said them.

Sometimes you would laugh from your belly to cheer me in,

but sometimes it upset you and you told me i should say those things.

I didn't understand,

I was only saying your words.

I wanted to believe in everything you believed in.

Keep the faith,

be a good republican,

just like you were.

But I stopped believing in God at age 12,

and I stopped believing in your moral judgement not long after.

You told me you would love and respect me,

But you reminded me every day that you hated me cutting my hair too short.

I wanted to be like you for so, so long.

Until I realized who you were.