(1)undiminished

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