Kathy? You awake?

For those calloused souls amongst you who think Simon and Garfunkel have nothing to offer, consider what a potent line this is ...

Kathy, I'm lost, I said though I knew she was sleeping.

God almighty.

We're all lost, friends.  That's why I'm painting maps these days.  To help you.

And not just maps.  Dark, gaping maws of maps.  And you, dear reader, as often as not are just one small dot in the middle of the abyss.

Me?  I'm awash in a kind of acid-drenched nihilism.

Where are you?

[For you completists, I'm listening to Roger Waters and Van Morrison sing Comfortably Numb]

Hello, 
Is there anybody in there? 
Just nod if you can hear me 
Is there anyone home? 

Come on 
Now 
I hear you're feeling down 
I can ease your pain 
Get you on your feet again 

Relax 
I'll need some information first 
Just the basic facts 
Can you show me where it hurts? 

There is no pain you are receding 
A distant ship's smoke on the horizon 
You are only coming through in waves 
Your lips move 
But I can't hear what you're saying 

When I was a child I had a fever 
My hands felt just like 
Two balloons 
Now I've got that feeling once again 
I can't explain 
You would not understand 
This is not how I am 

I... Have become comfortably numb 

O.K. 
Just a little pin prick 
There'll be no more aaaaaaaah! 
But you may feel a little sick 

Can you stand up? 
I do believe it's working 
Good 
That'll keep you going through the show 
Come on 
It's time to go 

There is no pain you are receding 
A distant ship's smoke on the horizon 
You are only coming through in waves 
Your lips move 
But I can't hear what you're saying 

When I was a child 
I caught a fleeting glimpse 
Out of the corner of my eye 

I turned to look but it was gone 
I cannot put my finger on it now 
The child is grown 
The dream is gone 
I... Have become comfortably numb