AT DUSK ALONE Poem by Ashok Vajpeyi

The day will be brimming with people
night shelters full
we will find a place
only at dusk.

In the ledgers of the ageing gods
there will be no mention of us
the documents
that record virtues, vices
will have no transactions
in our name.

At Heaven's gate
we will stand bashful,
in the frightening din of Hell
defeated we will be.

In the remaining flame
of our courage
we will get lost
midst lanes and houses,
our lost forefathers
meandering, empty-handed.

From a divine window
we will look at the earth,
not recognizing
our small house.

In our love, alone
as always
in our courage, alone
at dusk
all alone.