I’ve visited many an arid region
deserts where they say nothing grows
but the landscape is constantly changing
sand dunes blown about
rocks rising or sinking from the surface
and always there is some critter or plant
that tenaciously clings to life here.
Yet I’ve been to even more arid cities
man-made landscapes so crowded
where too many struggle for community
or connection which evades in these vast
arid anonymous environments
the only critters or plants cultivated
survive in cages or pots: seems arid to me!
We humans need community and connection
to flourish and grow; support and
encouragement ensures we stay healthy
and sure families might achieve this in a city
but how many neighbourhoods really nurture
each other in a productive manner?
For me less arid are our small rural areas.
Where do you flourish?
Daily Prompt: Arid – 26.2.17 – google pic
aroused 
An arid heart can exist anywhere.
I had family in Arizona… Dry heat is still hot heat.
I like my four seasons. I might moan a tad about how cold winter can be, but I like being between a small city with country just up the road. 🙂
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yes a perfect compromise .. vicinity to a grocery outlet is important for me and then rural with views 🙂
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Excellent poem, Kate! 🙂
) because people have been so nourishing to me. 🙂
I was thinking something similar to what Glen said. The HUGE cities I’ve lived in have had times of feeling arid (related to people, etc). And in small, rural areas I’ve not felt the aridness at all (Is that a word!
I try to flourish wherever I am planted…be it a long plant (in the same city for many years or at the same job for many years) or the daily short plants (like just sitting in a doctor’s waiting room or standing in a line at the market, etc). 🙂
I grew up in the desert and didn’t always appreciate it’s beauty. Sometimes it took seeing it through the eyes of someone who had never seen it before. 🙂 As I grew older I began to appreciate it’s uniqueness and importance.
HUGS!!! 🙂
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oh I love desert areas but you are so right Carolyn, we need to connect and share whatever our situation 🙂
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I nominated you for an award. No pressure to accept I just want to let you know that I made mention of you and to thank you for your words of encouragement. I don’t think there was a notification sent out because I linked to your homepage instead of a post.
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I need open spaces- but you are right, community is essential too.
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get those two in balance and we can conquer our world 🙂
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Great use of the word arid. Many cities and urban locations can be just as arid and desolate as the arid deserts and landscapes from around the world.
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Thanks for writing an inspired piece.
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I live in a city now, but I grew up in the country in a small town where everyone knew each other and there was a sense of close community. I enjoy living where I can have plenty to do, but I miss living amongst nature. Nature is so important and too many do not respect mother earth and planet on which we live.
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well said Jenna, I’ve lived in rural cities for too long … I prefer being in nature 🙂
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The city just can’t offer what nature offers. 🙂
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not possible, cities need trees and parks but it’s really not the same as a ramble in the countryside 🙂
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Fantastic comparison Kate! The aridity of city life which sucks out all emotions, well stated.
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I feel it does Punam but that could be just my aversion, others thrive in cities 🙂
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I’m sure some must find it but I’m thinking it would be harder work to achieve 🙂
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I agree that there is no perfect environment to flourish in. You have to take your cues from within for any circumstance you face.
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Hm, these man made crowded landscapes where people struggle for community and connection sounds symbolic of the internet. It’s more difficult without the physical. The key is to find a way to flourish in any environment.
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Yes good use of the word, I actually had to look it up… as the answer to ur question. Where do you flourish? Defiantly not in a “Arid” place but in the Sea, like Venus. hahaha
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Good usage or “arid” – so true and well written. Thanks for the share and have a great Sunday😊
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