“Ahmed Rashid chronicles the history of a people, land, mountain and plain held hostage by relentless politics and uncaring time. Razor sharp and near perfect, the poems present an intriguing portrait of the man who wrote them. Rashid’s poems are as self-revelatory as they are distinctly humane, reflecting a purity of spirit seldom visible in Pakistani English poetry. From unguarded moments of deeply explored self-reflection to commenting on the tragic inner and outer landscapes of the self, Rashid’s work lies at the intersection of literature and politics as he sketches vivid pictures of the terrified fearful child, the hopelessly bereft mother, the blood and words of love spilled over hostile rock and sand. Rashid’s work is evocative, powerful and a splendid read.”