As I look at myself your reflection stares back at me

In my actions I walk in the path of footsteps left by your past

I am judged by the shadow of your example

That follows me, burned into the back of everyone’s memory

They tell me I mirror you

A stolen image from your childhood

My thoughts and mannerisms reflect you

My already seen actions casting an image on the canvas of my future

I gaze through tired eyes

Watching the ending of a film seen before

They tell me I don’t have to be you

That my own story I can create

But I’m trapped under the darkness of your shadow

Searching for memories of happiness through a lifetime of pain

Sunk deep into the footsteps of your worn down path

Living a life already lived