Getting Lost Is Easy

Step one: approach your quarry.

Don't be afraid; it won't bite.

Steady...

Steady...

Can you reach it yet?

Good.

Step two: gently, gently, stroke its spine.

That's it... nice and easy.

You have to be patient;

You have to gain its trust, and allow it to gain yours.

You may feel it tremble a little,

Even let out a soft, rustling purr.

That's when you move.

Step three: strike, and strike hard.

Grab it firmly, but not too tight;

You don't want to dent it,

But you also don't want it to get away.

It may fight back,

Slicing your fingertips with its sharp edges,

But you must hold fast.

If all goes well, it will yield to you in the end.

Once you feel it submit,

Bending beneath your hands,

Move to step four:

Open it wide.

This step must not be taken lightly.

Your quarry holds an entire world,

Brimming, brimming to be set free.

It will flow into you,

Enveloping your senses in a heartbeat.

First, you'll be able to feel it:

The wind on your face;

The grass between your toes;

The skin that isn't yours.

You'll hear a voice -

A voice as real as yours -

Their whisp'ring thoughts:

Their fears... their hopes... their dreams.

You'll taste their words,

Their biting wit;

The flavor of their world.

It might be pleasant,

It might not:

Acrid and bitter,

Robust and sweet,

All of it now on your tongue.

Your nose will be overwhelmed:

Woodsmoke, or maybe flowers;

A lover's intoxicating musk,

Or a reeking beast to be slain.

Before long, you'll be able to see it;

This new world,

Building like block towers around you.

You won't know where you stop

And where it begins.

Nothing else -

Not even you -

Remains to exist.

Bit by bit, you cease to be you:

No more thoughts,

No more worries,

No more cares.

You'll be tempted to stay in this new world forever;

A sweet urge, woven from Siren's lips.

It will be hard,

E'en cause you great pain,

But I urge with all might:

Resist.