i dreamed i was in a caravan
that stopped in old Bamiyan
to rest the camels and shift their loads
before we headed on down the road

i dreamed beneath the colossal one
i met some monks in yellow gowns
who took me to their hermit caves
and showed me rupas carved from jade

i dreamed i feasted with their kind
who offered almonds, dates and wine
that i would taste unto this day
in Bamiyan i learned to pray