The Wait

He looks to the west, for a millionth time
Inside his heart, her memories chime
An era had passed since he last smiled
He waited in hope, like a promised child


Distant winds remind him of her presence
In every breath, he searched for her fragrance
By the gates of the town, he waits on his knees
He longs for her, but she’s far across the seas


He searches for her in every palanquin that stops
Hopes she’d step out of one when the veil drops
And when it turns dark, he searches the skies
When moon and stars give up, quietly he cries


Hope keeps him alive, for he knows she’ll return
But until she sets foot in town, his heart will burn


- Deepak Karamungikar