Last Thoughts ------------- The Darkness is closing in again And I've nowhere left to turn No escape, no retreat. I'm holding the end of the line, Praying I can finish the knot in time Because my grip is slipping A voice! Maybe, if I can just reply! But I cannot -- holding on is taking all the Concentration I'm not using to try to tie this knot. But the voice gives me hope. Someone is coming, If i can just hold on... Why does it keep slipping out? I know I Can tie this knot -- I've done it before, Hundreds of times, but it isn't working. God, please let the bouncing of the rope Be someone sliding down for me, And not just my muscles twinging From the strain. Please. There! the knot is tied, and just in time. My grip fails. . . . And the knot slips out. Oh God, PLEASE! --The Lone Bard-- 30-October-1994