1st phase - fluid
during the first phase dylan is a soft paste. he can be used as an ointment and salve, applied to pourus materials as a glaze or filler, an adhesive, a thickening agent for sauces, or consumed as a spread and a condiment. dylan is often preserved in a can or jar for dipping or pouring, but can also be squeezed through a tube. dylan is a useful substance.

2nd phase - construction
dylan, during the second phase, forms the hypothesis that he is alone. he seeks to falsify the hypothesis by climbing, digging, and wandering in the surrounding darkness. while failing in his efforts, he should not consider failure to find others as proof that no others exist. much of his remaining time is spent on the construction of many paper boats dipped in wax and a small butterfly house. this, ultimately, is successful: voices can be heard in the void.

3rd phase - ritual
this phase is also called "the involuntary phase". dylan will approach a tree, stepping in the footsteps of others before him, urinating as he approaches. he will rub his back on the tree, turn around and then bite the tree and claw it. when satisfied, he will rub his chest against it, and then rub it with his back again. he whispers to stars, peeks under tables, and his scarves are made from unrolled calla lilies stitched with braided spiders' webs.

4th phase - limerence
he will feel whole for the duration of this phase. he will cultivate silk with which to dress the bed. he will lure fireflys for the lanterns. he will tremble to the touch. liquids are spilt and dried into bakelite. later, he will recall each night by the names of spanish ships.

5th phase - spectacle
dylan will often be caught unaware. he is hanged, drawn, and quartered. the dissemblage is dyed in cadmium and milk before being placed on display in five equidistant locations. the heart, should it continue to throb, is best coated in sugar and stored in a cool, dry place. throughout this phase, dylan breathes clouds in and breathes feathers out.

6th phase - remorse
during the sixth phase, dylan has two moons. he is tattooed by railroads and escape routes. his gaze chases the sun, and at his back the night's howling is immeasurable.