I held my breath till I turned blue So you would take me home with you Elephants are usually grey I changed my color So you’d look my way I stood in the sun on one thin leg Till pink stayed where the pale once fled Flamingos start out soft and light I burned brighter To catch your sight I ran and pulled till my skin went red Till my whole body begged instead Dogs don’t come that big or bright I grew too much So I’d be right I stayed awake till my eyes went white Living more in dark than light Owls are calm and meant to see I lost my rest So you’d see me I remembered stories from long ago Where blue elephants were loved so slow Where pink birds danced without a name And being strange Wasn’t a shame Where one red dog, too big to miss, Was still just loved for being his Where staying up to watch the night Meant you were wise, Not losing light So I hoped maybe, just like then, Changing would bring me home again That if I stood out, soft and true, You’d choose me Too