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)