Delhi Beckons

How I waited for Delhi to come:

I knew it’d be painful to part again,
still waited for it,

to see love and tears
well up in your eyes.

I didn’t wish to be away,
never did you either.

Everyday’s a year,
each moment an endless wait,

Love, I missed and craved for you.

I know you'd be gazing at the skies,
scanning and seeking me

Among the stars,
and wishing me back soon -
with you.

Tears were dearer than ever,
and warm as never before:

They would never leave you alone,

as if they heard my prayers,
and understood the loneliness.

I could feel the beads
growing as they swelled up,

thrusting themselves against me –

sometimes, I managed to get better of them,
and at others - it was them.

How I waited to be home,
craving, crying and praying.

They were always with me,
about and around –

Prayers, fond memories, and short prayers,

As much as they hugged and kissed you

as, Delhi, I left long behind
and headed to a distant land!

© Sashikant Mohanty