When He Is Gone

This poem expresses the pain of a woman who longs for the lover she lost after conflict. Though arguments and hurt drove them apart, her heart still misses him deeply. She feels lonely, remembers their shared moments, and silently hopes he will return despite all the pain.

The room still keeps your shadow so dear
Yet all I hold is empty air and a broken heart
Your name still trembles on my red lips
Like broken huge waves on silent ships

We fought with words too sharp, too cold
And shattered dreams we used to hold
Now every corner calls your face
But you have left no warm embrace

I wait where once you used to stand
With aching heart and open hand
The nights grow longer without end
without you near me like a faithful friend

I wear the tears as I cannot hide any more
Like longing rivers flowing deep inside
Though pride may say to let you go
My soul still longs for you silently

Come back before my stars grow dim
Before my songs forget their hymn
For all my pain and for all I knew
My lonely heart still beats for you

I keep your laughter in my heart
Like a restless bird without its nest
Each memory knocks upon my door
And leaves me aching even more for you

If fate is kind and nature hears my cry
It may yet bring you passing by me soon
Until that hour, through dark and blue
My wounded heart will wait for you

                                 --Geethanjali