In William S. Burroughs' "Last Words: The Final Journals," he reflects on the nature of love and existence through a metaphorical discussion about a centipede. He questions the capacity for love in a creature many find unsettling, suggesting that the centipede possesses more love than he does. This contemplation leads to a broader examination of what it means to create and the often complicated emotions surrounding the act of living.

Burroughs expresses a conflicted sentiment where killing the centipede, despite its inherent worth, provides him with a sense of safety. This reveals a deeper philosophical struggle with acceptance and the desire for control over one's environment, highlighting the paradox of finding solace in destruction. The contrast between love and fear serves as a poignant commentary on the human condition.