As much as I love you
I'm under your thumb.
I've felt your grip tightening
As my dreams grow more numb.

We're two different people
As was meant to be.
We try to give comfort,
But your's is destroying me.

In the shelter of your arms
Security binds, then blinds my faith.
Invisible chains of discontented rage
Gather, rattling at our gate.

You need not fix my problems
As they aren't yours to mend.
But when you can't comprehend my achievements,
You become an empty, unnurturing friend.

I know you mean no ill.
I'm often a bitter pill.
Together through much, even still,
It's got to add up to more
Than some kind of emotional, overdue, bill.

My dreams need not be yours
For their complete validity.
I'm only asking what's fair,
If it's possible for you to see.

Some ugly words will fly
Or part of my being will die.
It's done no good to sigh.
It's done no good to cry.

I must live on more than memories,
On some kind adulated shelf.
For all your love means to me,
I've got to mean more for my self
Respect.