this gentleman with peculiar manners visits me from time to time. in fact, he's always been a frequent guest, either form he chose to make his appearance: that of a magician, that of an uninvited foe or that of a secret lover. he's a whimsical one, this gentleman: sometimes he greets me gallantly with his joker smile, offers me red wine or invites me to dance, other times he simply dismays me with some of his ill manners, like sudden spurts of vulgarity, certain obnoxious remarks or his proclivity of guiding me by the hand through repelling vacant corridors and disappearing when least expected. in fact, i've always quite questioned his sense of humour. the strangest thing is that, either mad or enchanted, frightened or seduced, i know that if i turn around i'll always find him right there behind me, curiously observing me while lighting his cigarette. somehow, he's my most faithful of lovers...