An Echo From the Past by Tanner Grout (written from September 25th to September 27th, 2023)
Even a shadow still has the light
With which to balance and harmonize
While the day still has the night
But an Echo has nothing
...
Keeping only a reflection as company,
It fades slowly into the distance
Just like the young little wolf
Who's name reflects her existence
...
She knew not a mother's warm embrace
Nor a father's playful chase,
Not a glimpse of loving light, instead eclipsed by her brothers and sisters
Their affection was as far as the closest sweet star in all its taunting glister
...
Disregarding her from birth, seeing nothing of worth, despite all the work and the blisters
They believed her too weak, for the power they'd seek, and so they simply dismissed her
She fought and strove to change their tunes and prove she was worthy of praise
But it was all for naught, the gaze she sought was not her family's way
...
Her parents cared only for strength or skill and the status those traits would provide
And if you didn't secure their standing, they wouldn't care if you lived or died
A tradition passed on by her grandfather, the one who'd stained their name
In order to reclaim their prominence lost and regain their vain incompetence
...
Now before there was Thunder, she couldn't help but wonder what it was that she'd done wrong
...
"Am I not even good enough to exist as a shadow beneath my brothers' feet?
Must I stand in the day with a hungry display while watching my sisters feast?
...
What must I do to prove my worth?
Is a family too much to ask?
I know I might not be good enough
But I promise I'm up to the task!
...
I'm not just some pitiable ghost.
So please won't you give me a chance?
I beg you, please don't look through me again
It hurts more than I can withstand
...
I train night and day to gain your love
So why don't I catch your gaze?
How far must I push to prove my strength?
What must I set ablaze?"
...
The poor little wolf could only ask her reflection
Spinning the same questions in her mind
Wondering how to achieve a heart's reprieve
And growing to unweave a desire misaligned
...
Eventually reflecting her parents' indifference
The wolf leaves behind the wind ever blind
Going forth so as to find true peace of mind
And be a parent as hers should have been