the tightened leash

obedient

and compliant,

you

are still your mother's

child,

obeying

the command

of the women

in your life,

read what i say to read,

eat what's

on your plate,

be neat.

sit

when i say sit,

heel,

jump,

roll over, bring gifts.

if you loved

me

you'll do this, and this

and this.

what choice do you have?

and so you follow,

because of the tightened

leash.