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Verse              Being in school and colored pencils and

                        Figuring out what to draw

                        Can’t be too easy, must be worthwhile

                        Requires an effort that is raw

Chorus           If I am short on air

                        It’s only because I refuse to breathe

                        If I rise above despair

                        It’s because I’m committed to reality

Verse              Being in ruins and broken plans and

                        Figuring out what went wrong

                        Pulling back from the edge of collapse and

                        Owning up to the flaws

Chorus           If I am short on air

                        It’s only because I refuse to breathe

                        If I rise above despair

                        It’s because I’m committed to reality

Bridge           Trying to make something of life

                        Not have life make something of me

                        Take hold of my colored pencils and

                        Fill in the part that’s me, you’ll see

Verse              Being in truth and sweet discomfort and

                        Figuring out what’s my call

                        Can’t be too easy, must be worthwhile

                        Requires an effort that is raw

Chorus           If I am short on air

                        It’s only because I refuse to breathe

                        If I rise above despair

                        It’s because I’m committed to reality

Words & Music © 2012 Martha Groves Perry