A Stranger -- A Perfect Circle

The Thirteenth Step

What if you just keep trying to complete the first twelve steps but you fail to realize, every single time you wind up back in the bottle, that there's a thirteenth step? 

And, of course, now that you've heard about it, you want to know what it is, don't you?

I'm sure of it. 

Just as sure as I am that you'll have to actually complete the other twelve steps in their entirety, successfully, before the thirteenth will be revealed to you. 

I also know that the very thing that you hate so much about all of us is the very thing in this whole world that you wish that you had. Unconditional love and acceptance. A peaceful home where your soul can rest and in which you can be completely yourself and at ease, knowing that the ones who are there with you really do love you. I guess it's easier to hate people and drive them away than it is to face the reality of your own actions and the accountability of the consequences of those actions. 

Cast the

calming apple

Up and over

satellites

To draw out the 

timid wild one

To convince you

it's alright

And I listen for

the whisper

Of your sweet

insanity

While I formulate 

denials

Of your effect on me

You're a stranger

So what do I care?

You vanished today

Not the first time

I hear

All the lies

What am I to do with 

all this silence?

Shy away, shy

away phantom

Run away, 

terrified child

Won't you move

away you fuckin' 

tornado

I'm better off

without you 

Tearing' my will down 

--Billy Howerdel, Maynard James Keenan

When you're tired of all of it, come back, won't you? To this life, this reality, this family, this world, this unique existence. 

And, if you're ready then, maybe I'll tell you a story.