i wonder if you wonder
if she chose to live
up to your legacy,
or to her desires.

we emphasize our insecurities:

“all on her own”—
no pressure from you, but
you throw up your hand
in defense.

influence can be accidental.
and i wonder if you wonder
if your mere existence loomed
over her decisions.

i wonder if you wonder:

would she tell you if she wanted
something else?
would she tell you if your name
felt suffocating?

i wonder if you wonder.