In "Last Words: The Final Journals" by William S. Burroughs, a vivid and surreal moment occurs after a significant event. The protagonist finds himself on the bed, devoid of movement, yet internally experiencing an unsettling sensation, as if something is awakening within him. This imagery creates a sense of transformation and bodily turmoil, hinting at a deeper, perhaps disturbing metamorphosis.

As the scene unfolds, the emergence of a centipede symbolizes a grotesque rebirth. The description of the creature breaking free from its confinement in eggs, covered in slimy residue, evokes feelings of revulsion and intrigue. This imagery may represent the struggle between life and decay, illustrating Burroughs’ fascination with the visceral realities of existence.