breathe in for luck, breathe in so deep

you're waiting for me to say those three little words you've said so many times before. you're waiting for kisses that don't just come in the dark of night and leave an aftertaste of guilt in your mouth. you're waiting for me to stop twisting out of your embraces like i would shackles and chains. you're waiting for my teeth to stop biting and snarling long enough to smile. you're waiting for me to settle down and grow up.

well honey, you better exhale.

you're waiting for me to cross the finish line. you're waiting for parties in my honor and statues erected to celebrate the success that is me. you're waiting for me to make you proud. you're waiting for the day that my name is common on a stranger's lips. you're waiting for it to stop being used as a synonym for apathy and the death of promise.

well honey, you better exhale.

you're waiting for me to save the world. you're waiting for the red cape and blue tights to be pulled out of the grasp of the skeletons in my closet. you're waiting for me to spread my wings and shoulder the weight of the world. you're waiting for me to live up to your expectations. you're turning blue in the face because you swear i have what it takes,

and honey, you better exhale.

*Hands Down - Dashboard Confessional