We usually associate a desert with dryness, want, and wilderness. But, once driving through the desert, I saw flowers growing in the arid land. It occurred to me, here was the real life – of survival against all odds...


Oasis in the Desert of Life

Arduous the journey through the desert,
Sand was everywhere in sight,
Yet, every grain of it sparkled bright,

Glowing with that inner light-
Like stars on the face of the night,
Each, a Sun in its own right...

Those mirages held a fascination for me,
The heat no longer bothered me,
My imagination wove dreams supreme...

Dry and gaunt was every tree,
Yet, it stood proud and blithe,
Challenging the sun in mock glee:

"Shine and dazzle down at me,
Today you cannot bother me,
Dry and friendless I might be,

Thirst and want in excess be,
Parched the land all around me,
The Essence of Desert is in me...

My roots will go down far and deep,
Penetrate where water can't seep,
Elixir O' Life I will find, no matter how deep.

And proud, a Sentinel, I'll stand
to Life in this Arid land.
And survive the Struggle Grand..."

I too, like you, my dear tree,
Go through the Journey of Thirst in life,
Oblivious of the arduous strife...

And I will surely one day find
My Oasis in this Desert of Life...



Author: Zoya Zaidi
Aligarh (UP), India
Copyright ©: Zoya Zaidi




Poetry by Zoya Zaidi
Read 1543 times
Written on 2006-09-17 at 10:30

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Judy T Lloyd
My former pastor said that the desert was his word for his special place of prayer. I liked this piece and I am glad that you sent it to me to read.
2006-09-28


lastromantichero The PoetBay support member heart!
Hi there Zoya a wonderful expressive text of how beauty thrives in the harshest of cultures/ environs but it takes a beautiful poet and a skillfull word smith like you to get it across well done rgds kindest of hearts you have young lady

hey a kiss for you xxxxx well more that two lololol
2006-09-17


Saga
This is beautiful, just a beautiful explanation of survival!!
2006-09-17


Arti
And you shall blossom as an orchid,
Tropical bloom in the desert sand...
Untouchable, unattainable, by human hand...

Desert winds and harsh, unbearable sun,
Defeated that glorious day by your tenacity,
Slouch away, embittered, lost and thirsty..
2006-09-17


wee2souls
A lovley read
no words to say
just beautiful!
cindy
2006-09-17


Dan Cederholm
**********************************

Oh Soya what a great and philosophical

analysis and explanaition in this poem!!!

It is a joy to read it, big wisdom here!!!

(BM)!!!

Regards and hugs / Dan

**********************************
2006-09-17


girlswattitude
Just read me and call me memorized
visions you write how we see them
within our minds you give us a
warm peace soothing and a gentle
touch you reach for all the eyes to see
taking in the beauty written here
PROUD this does feel you are


~*HaPpY hOuR*~
2006-09-17