Afghanistan: From Herat to Balkh and Back Again

Tom Savage wrote these poems during his travels through Afghanistan. He was twenty-three at the time but his words ring with unparalleled maturity. His journey took place before the Taliban came to power and had a chance to destroy the Bamiyan Buddhas, a 20th century tragedy for all mankind. He describes their glory, giving us a guided tour of his spiritual and physical states while doing so. These are love poems: They are tender, witty and full of compassion, wisdom and insight. Savage says it plainly yet ever so deeply when he chants: my book is my pillow / my fireplace is breath / my friends are my food / the tree-swept is singing. While reading these gems, which are not unlike their great eastern predecessors Rumi or Jami, you too might make this book your pillow, your breath and your food as you let these poems sing to you. Steve Dalachinsky, author of The Superintendent s Eyes and The Final Nite & Other Poems: The Complete Notes from a Charles Gayle Notebook 1987 2006