[ARLENE]

Patterns in my life that I trace every day

Patterns as I say the things I always say

Patterns in the ceiling as I lie awake

Why are patterns haunting every move I make?

Just look, here I am on cue again

Upset, feeling torn in two again

Afraid, saying I'm okay

Making little jokes

'Til I run away, again

And yet today I am not the same

I feel my life slipping from its frame

Strange feelings rise, feelings with no name

And I can't face them

So I shake them hard

Fold them up

And tuck them safely away

Again

Patterns that begin as I walk through a door

Patterns in the curtains and the kitchen floor

Patterns in the day's routines I must arrange

Patterns in the ways I try... but never change

Just look, as I'm thrown a curve again

I leap, then I lose my nerve again

In tears, running home I go

Secretly relieved

Safe with what I know again

And yet I know I am not the same

Inside my heart is something I can't tame

I feel my mind bursting into flame

And I must change

Or else I'll break apart

Or break away

And end up having to start

Again

Patterns through the day I seem to use to give my life a shape

Patterns through the house that give me comfort when I need escape

Patterns that lead me nowhere

At all