We were exhausted as we

rode along the mountain pass

the Afghan sun had taken

it's toll on both

man and beast.

 

For four days we

had ridden hard,

for peace was at hand

and we must not fail

at this meeting of the tribes.

 

Our hearts sank when

we came upon the burnt sticks

placed across the pass,

for we knew full well the

message of the sticks.

 

WARNING, go no further,

for changes had taken place

amidst the mountain tribes and

we were no longer welcome,

any resolution to the conflict

was now doomed to failure.

 

Dejected and weary

we turned away

our mission ended and it was

four days ride back to Kabul,

and now in these mountains

the blood would flow.