The Kiplings and India: A Collection of Writings from British India, 1870-1900

Hope Deferred (Alice MacDonald Fleming, 1884)

[Published in Echoes, Lahore, 1884. After the style of Christina Rosetti. See Rosetti's "Hope" or "De Profundis"] 

I hoped a hope that was mine all, 
          And pondered on it sleep and wake—
My life is lost and worthless to me now, 
          For one Hope's sake.  

Before, I sang—my voice is gone, 
          And sobs the only sound I make.  
I gave my heaven, my delight, my all
          For one Hope's sake.  

Of wont I smiled—now, only tears
         Come to me 'twixt the sleep and wake.  
Alas! my life, my wasted, wasted years, 
         For one Hope's sake! 

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