Here There Be Dragons

Here There Be Dragons

In the consciousness of a new antiquity,
my dreaming mind drowses
lulled by the hum of ancient machines.
Drifting through steel corridors
the memory of extinct sentience
pulses in sync with my heart.
That we all end,
this is true,
but we had an arrogant assurance
that somewhere, somehow,

 another that is not Other
carries on our line.
Even to the last,

fierce grief battles merciless hope
driving each other round and round
refusing the solace of apathy.
Wandering metal mazes
decorated with newly-dead language
that I am the last to speak aloud...

I leave a final warning,
hoping against hope that another can read it:

Ware! here there be Dragons!