i bet you're feeling brittle now
i bet you're counting sheep
staring at the ceiling and its painted peaks
the thunder of the folks upstairs
comes rumbling down the walls
it's not just the day to day
that has your joy slowed to a crawl
it's the ball that was thrown you
it's the life you took on
well may each test of your mettle spur you along
may you know who you are through it all

i'm not much good at anything
'cept wishing i could take it on
i'm not the sister everyone would choose
ditto the hard work of your parents
and your decisions taking form
but you're not fully tested no, not set in stone
so remember it's not what you think
but who that thinking serves
i promise further along it's easier to call
and you will know who you are through it all

the hard work of your parents
that heart on your sleeve
not to mention the gauntlet
of sneers and expertise
and almost everything designed
to mire you in debt
and spinning that wheel
for contraceptive roulette
the bloodthirsty banker
your landlord and boss
may the road rise before you
may you never fall
may you know who you are through it all
may you know who you are