I was the most desired maiden

 down at the foothills

of Tora Bora.

You might remember

our mothers’ warnings:

The spirits of the mountain

would demise any soul

who dares set foot

on the ancient Goddess’s grounds.

It was me,

you sure remember,

who ventured all alone

on the black magic horse

towards The  Forbidden.

The people in the village

and all the way down to Kandahar

still sing the glory

of my valiant horse –

who died, defending his mistress

on the path to Tora Bora.

On foot I reached the precincts

Of the Sacred Mountain.

The winds talked histories

carved into rocks,

whispered secrets

sealed into hidden passages.

A mountain desiring desire,

a mountain

the Goddess destined

for ultimate love –

to be sanctified,

sacrificed,

at her behest…

In Tora Bora

I re-dreamt you,

my lover

and as you crowned me  –

your heart’s desire –

in the dark belly of the mountain

under the light of the moon

beyond Earth’s edge –

neither family

nor the one they chose for me

could have detected

the gentle footsteps I left behind

that the wind swept away…

I caressed our new-born daughter

at my hide in Tora Bora.

I passed countless winters warming myself

against her body,

as the luna waxed and waned.

My end

I will not recount herein

to spare you the grief, my love,

but do not despair.

I’m still here –

me, the one you dream of

night after night

life after life,

trying to recuperate the memory

of our unforgettable union

at Earth’s womb 

in our Lady’s cavern, 

at Tora Bora,

Still expecting –

your return

Her re-reign

our redemption

at mystery’s realm

known as

Tora Bora.