Me & My Shadow

It's something to be said for becoming the person you can admire when you see their shadow on the wall. When your name appears in print and makes the neighbors wish they had come over for dinner when first invited. You have to change the image in the family photographs to match the person at the breakfast table. The eggs taste the same but the conversation has changed. The words wash down with the morning coffee but the new point of view takes time to digest. The freedom to formulate your own opinions. I can't necessarily recall that freedom. My mother and grandmother told you what to think. When I was ten my grandmother decided for me I was too old to want a doll for Christmas. I remember looking for Barbie and when I had opened the last box I asked for her. My mother said my grandmother told her I was to old for a doll. Who asked her? But you dare not say anything. You just accepted what they said and tucked whatever opinion you had in the box in the bottom of your closet. Lately I've determined to do what I want. It feels weird. I feel as if someone is going to come around the corner and see my shadow enjoying herself and go and get a switch.