step one: start in the winter.
drown yourself in wool until you are bloated with the knit
and purl.
bury yourself in layers until it is forced into hibernation.
if it cannot see you, it cannot hurt you.
step two: invest in protection.
allow leather and jean jackets, cardigans and blazers,
to cocoon you.
resist the temptation to break free in the blossoming heat.
remember, you are not a butterfly.
step three: hold your breath.
stay inside and throw blankets over your mirrors,
if you need to.
hell, smash the mirrors. possession is not even one-tenth
of our law.
do not be tempted to break it.
step four: roll up your sleeves.
the work will now begin again. the cuffs of your flannel are
your first task.
suffocate your doubt in the chilled air; leach its strength away
and bury it
deep within your beating heart.
