When a child, my dreams rode on your wishes, I was your son, high on your horse, My mind a top whipped by the lashes Of your rhetoric, windy of course.

Summary

This quote reflects the power and influence that parents can have over their children's aspirations and beliefs. As a child, the speaker's dreams were intertwined with their parent's desires and expectations, making them feel like an extension of their parents. The reference to being "high on your horse" signifies the sense of authority and control the parent held. The imagery of a spinning top being whipped by the parent's words suggests that the parent's rhetoric had a strong impact on shaping the child's thoughts and actions, even if it was somewhat insubstantial or hollow.

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