You thought you let it go… But it never let go of you… Hands on the wheel, eyes on the flame Guiding the shadow that whispers my name Every breath feels rehearsed and dead Like I’m reading thoughts I never said ⸻ Control is a leash I learned to crave Digging my freedom into a grave ⸻ I cut the tether but I’m still bound Drowning skyward, underground I screamed the truth but no one heard Just echoed back my every word Kneel in the church of the self-made lie Bleeding out reason in slow supply I thought I escaped, I thought I won But the chain is part of what I’ve become ⸻ The tether smiles It lets you run Just far enough To think you’re done BUT YOU’RE NOT! ⸻ Pull the tether Feel it snap You’re still crawling In its trap I cut the tether but I’m still here Wound in loops of doubt and fear I spoke the truth, but it was mine Bent through time and redefined I broke the chain but wore the clasp The tether laughs… and grips me fast ⸻ There is no release. Only the illusion of slack.
