You disarmed my cherished thesis
Concerning superlative degradation
It would seem that such a purpose
Requires descent from a primordial altitude

And so I revise my position
And massage it into the shape of a parabola
Granted shallow
But I will concede the primacy of ascent

If you will contribute
The grand finale of terminal decline
The edifice unimpressive to start
And not improved by its dilapidation