Step One: Poem by Ayn Timmerman

On the subject of being alone, I think one should take note of the
heartbeat tempo deep in the ears of those who listen
to silence for silence's sake. They are lucky indeed,
they not only hear it fluxing in the canal, but those
that heed it feel a rush in their thoughts, and a quickening
of pace that moves you to calm your fears and
move on to the next topic. The agenda of every day
is to take it, crumple it into a ball, and make
a perfect hook shot into some unlikely target.

The applause is all in your head, a team of one
that can do anything, short of outright
miracles. If ever you are approached by another,
promptly take out the prepackaged image they
have manufactured for you on the subject of you,
and torch it. Let them watch it burn, then
smile and say it was an accident, though you
know full well the intentions of your heart. When
they get the picture, tune back in and wait for
further rhythm and instruction.

Once you have made your decision,
proceed on to Step Two.