The speaker reflects on a lifetime of silence, suggesting that their refusal to express their true feelings and desires has created a barrier between them and their daughter. By keeping their innermost thoughts hidden, they have inadvertently left their daughter unaware of their true identity and emotional presence. This silence has led to a profound sense of disconnection, as both the speaker and their daughter feel lost and invisible to each other.

This struggle emphasizes the importance of communication and the consequences of withholding one’s authentic self. The speaker’s metaphor of being a "small shadow" illustrates the pervasive fear of being seen or understood, leaving them feeling unseen and unheard. Ultimately, the passage conveys the pain of isolation that arises from self-imposed silence and its impact on familial relationships.