Own Me

I know it was you I saw
Laughing in the distance
Long ago when you were more,
than just a painful dream

Your voice still rings
Softly in my ear
It is easy to pretend it was only yesterday,
Instead of so long ago

I still feel your touch
So cool upon my skin
Gentle as a breeze
But now a tragic memory

I know it is you
I still carry in my heart
I tried so hard to push you out

But you own me
Only as a mother can own a daughter
I belong to only you
My pain, my dreams, my laughter

Tara Johnson
1997