When you left this room, br or a room somewhat like it, br stepping into the light br you were dazzled by the sudden brilliance, br only gradually coming to terms with it. br Now, overwhelmed by the darkness, br by the stillness, dazzled still br by the light you learned to take for granted, br (impossible in this quiet room to see br what faces you) you grope for a chair. br The thought of turning back passes briefly br through your mind, you refrain br from opening the curtains, knowing, br telling yourself, the moment will pass, br the after-image fade, the echoes br of outside be absorbed in the silence. br Be still in the dark, br listen to the silence, br understand br this room was waiting for you.