(1)undiminished Poem by Uriah Hamilton

Almost at birth,
grief is waiting at the door,
a violent intruder
to abscond with dreams
or extinguish hope.

It then becomes a stalker
keeping a lustful eye
upon everyone we love
knowing our perpetual vulnerability
and eventual demise.

In time, we collect
parting kisses
and final embraces;
we gather memories
like grave-side flowers.

It becomes tempting
to drown in the relentlessness
of the crashing waves of sorrow,
to grieve forever or expire.

But I know, the love I've felt
resides in eternity;
the people who have touched me
remain an undiminished presence
as palpable as the sunlight upon my skin.

My joyfulness will prevail,
and my life's meaning
will not be vanquished
or left stranded in a loveless place.

2: 49AM 8-10-2018