Rocking to the end

The bottom has been reached.

Always that little bit closer than you'd like to imagine it could ever be but, nevertheless, there it is, patiently waiting for you to touch down.

It embraces you warmly, holds you tightly, welcoming as an old, if unwelcome friend.

We will spend some time together, him and me. Then I will reach up to the light and climb the stairs away from his company. For a while.

The bottom is less rocky than you imagine. It's just getting here that's so painful.