Mazar-i-Sharif (Tomb of theChosen One) is home to the great Blue Mosque, Tomb of Hazrat Ali, cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad, the forth caliph of Islam. The tomb was covered with earth to escape the ravage of Gengis Khan in 1220 and remained lost until it was uncovered during rebuilding work in 1480.

The only Americans likely to see this impressive structure today are perhaps some of our soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan. As we approach the Christmas holiday, the following poem reminded me of how little peace on Earth we have today, how we need to be grateful for the blessings we have, and not forget those who are so much less fortunate than we are in America, nor those who are stationed far away from home over the holidays, continuing to quietly serve their country. Be well.

The White Doves of Mazar

For crusts of bread

these sacred birds entrust

their bodies to your hands

despite the evidence of blood

in every street

and twenty-seven years of war.

Though nothing will change

for the Hazaras and Uzbeks,

the Pashtuns and Tajiks,

the Arabs, Russians, and Americans

try nonetheless to feel

the slightest heart beat

against your palms. Touch

the trembling wings

and ruffled head –

helpless now and beautiful –

as if they were the framed,

unfinished faces of the dead.

Tim McBride