Ode to the Pashtun Daughter

 O’ daughter of the unconquered land!
Reclaim your forsaken dignity with pride and glee,
For, the land now bereft of peace and justice
Is the provenance of gallantry, once land of the free

Be the goddess of your being, the queen of your mind,

And break all the yellow walls to which you are confined!

Use your acumen to know which foes you must befriend
And which of your battles you will have to fight

For rivalry is the name of your innate struggle

Which you must ascend with the use of your might

Carry with you your heavenly scent,
The beatific aura of which suits only you

Be the mirror of intellect and beauty
While your charisma shines all the way through

Clout the world with the beats of your heart,

Summoning storms with each sigh you haul,

Fight for the values your ancestors so upheld

And liberate your mind so you’ll never be a thrall

Touch everyone with your compelling presence,

And be the epitome of dignity and truth

Let the world marvel at the splendor of your essence

Like that of a mortal with perpetual youth

Enchant your beloved with the melody of your laughter

As you gift to him forbidden glances denied to the rest

And forbid the others their good night’s sleep

While you and your beloved attain your passion's crest

Tame your heart so that no man shall ever disturb you,
Lest his lust, his conceit make you his prey,

But may God rob every man of all pleasures

If he ever so dares to bring harm your way

Teach history that women live forever –
But only those who fight tempests to bring peace
So comport yourself with humility and confidence
And help your people’s suffering come to cease

Remain the goddess of your being, the queen of your mind,

And break all the yellow walls to which you are confined!

~ Me
June 4th 2010