For the next to follow

It emerges to life-
From the spout of something greater,
It latches to the remnants of its predecessor,
Feeding from the residue,
It swells and grows,
Faster than it can support,
The weight of its mass
Pulls it down.
For a moment,
Clings defiantly,
Then falls into the abyss,
Leaving behind a trail
For the next to follow.