how to stay alive

get out of bed in the morning;
stay out of bed
until night.

go to work.
eat.
buy a bottle of wine if you need to.

when you feel the darkness coming,
lock yourself in a room
that has no windows.
have a trusted friend hide any knives,
scissors,
nail clippers.

don't nap outside
during snowstorms.

write your will
just in case.
instruct survivors
to donate your clothes
but burn your books.

buy another bottle of wine.

think of your mother,
and how much she loves you.

think of your father.
don't let him win.