I knew of course, one starts br this bitter journey at the very top. br Each step gives you a little jolt br as if to jog the memories now gone, br the sound is barely there br and I control it as I have to hear br those voices of my little gnomes br who will, of that I'm sure, br jump off my skin just like the rats they are br and watch the ship go down without br a shred of glory, see the captain drown. br br Not many left, I see, the bottom is in sight, br a clumsy stumble but no fall, I am the clown, br yes I am ready will you kindly douse the light.