What comes after one?

And how should I know? I am no mathematician. And besides, the mathematicians have no clue. They tell me two.

What comes after one? One and one is one.

I suppose it must be exhilarating to become but a half of something new and different and outstandingly amazing (as the story-books would have us believe). But I am hesitant. Aren't you? One and one isn't two?

And why can't a One always be a One? Why does it ever need to be counted? To be added to, and then reduced? I am no mathematician. I have no clue.

One is a sturdy fellow. He holds his own hand. Does that make him a hero or a coward? Come, come! All you Ones! Let's all hold our own hands together!

Why must the hero hold his own hand? Can't he stand a little support, even if he doesn't really need it? Even if he really does need it? Does that make him a coward?

I am no mathematician. Besides, they have no clue.

Enter Beatrice, the forlorn feminist. She'll comfort the lovelorn coward. They make such a sad and pathetic, but tall and strong duet. They sing for you in B minor.

One and one is one. Is ONE.

These words, sad and pathetic, tall and strong, are for no one. No. ONE.