I felt dumb and subdued. Every time I tried to concentrate, my mind glided off, like a skater, into a large empty space, and pirouetted there, absently.

Here I am, a bundle of past recollections and future dreams, knotted up in a reasonably attractive bundle of flesh. I remember what this flesh has gone through; I dream of what it may go through.

How we need another soul to cling to, another body to keep us warm. To rest and trust; to give your soul in confidence: I need this, I need someone to pour myself into.

I inhabit the wax image of myself, a doll's body. Sickness begins here; I am a dartboard for witches.

I have been holding a dialogue with myself and girding myself to stand fast without running.

They had to call and call And pick the worms off me like sticky pearls.

The floor seemed wonderfully solid. It was comforting to know I had fallen and could fall no farther.