Al Hurr

By Salma Beshr and Lamia Ayman

Thanks for the great words!

Baraka, the mountain's gift to me

My worst days are behind me.

My darkest hour is gone.

All I have ever dreamed of

Right here, so close to the sun.

Long months of anticipation.

Then, finally, the uphill climb:

One deep breath to begin with

And one small step at a time.

Eager, expectant, restless.

My step turns into stride:

My heart beats in time to the rhythm

Of far-away drums as my guide.

The whole world enveloped in darkness.

As, weary, the day becomes night:

The body discovers its weakness.

The soul, relentless, its might.

Rocks and frost and nose-bleeds

Cannot shake my determination

To arrive exhausted, breathless

At the summit of exhilaration.

I have conquered the indomitable wilderness.

All the demons within and without.

And am not afraid of tomorrow.

For I have been and always will be

At the top of Kilimanjaro