Text 60

Stan Lee Werlin

THE LASTEST

If older than older is oldest

And if colder than colder is coldest

And if faster than faster is fastest

Shouldn't after the last be the lastest?

And isn't the lastest the one that you eat

After eating the very last one?

And isn't the lastest the treat that you sneak

When dessert after dinner is done?

And isn't the lastest the story you read

After reading six books before sleep –

The story you promise will be the last one

After which you will not make a peep?

And isn't the lastest the drink that you drink

When you've already had your last drink?

And isn't the lastest the thought that you think

After thinking your very last think?

Yes the lastest's the one that comes after the last

It is like a caboose's caboose

It's the one you should ask for when everything's done

And you find you need one last excuse!

It's no use to pretend that the line at the end

Is the very last line you will read

Because after I write it there's no way to fight it

There's still one more line we will need:

THE LASTEST the lastest the very last lastest

A line that's arriving with uncommon speed

At last it is here, for without it I fear

That this poem would grow like a weed!

Chapter V