Of Hope Undimmed Poem by Kishore Asthana

I have waited long
In this darkened place
But I sleep not
lest I miss
Those dainty steps
that beloved face

I wait, and waiting in me
My music sleeps
Its strings wet with unshed tears
Its flutes but exhausted reeds

The dancing bells have closed their eyes
And arm in arm they lie aside
But I wait with bated breath
For I am sure she said 'tonight'

My song that was is now a hymn
Even the grapes are now old wine
This bed alas, an unfulfilled altar
But the dawn is not yet,
Beloved mine