BELATED RELEASE.

for all the wide world that I've seen,
it's but only myself that I could have
      been---

what a way a whole built life to tarnish,
although everything in it we cherish!

the distance seems final which now
     bears us apart,
yet you thrive glowing day and night
     through my heart.

alas of late!  mine's not been with calm
     and ease,
although i struggle, and seek in vain,
     for a  just release:

wearily clinging to mere scenes in
     remembrance
of love, and joy , days of brilliance--

yet yesterday is farther than tomorrow,
no use then to be stuck with mere sorrow,

and time is lent to you by hand of  death,
all you say and do is so scribbled from
           birth;

what a world  for all hope we live in--
knowing that all'd be destroyed which
             we ever begin!

                                        -by
                             Hakim H. Kassim.
                           (d. March 16, 2025)