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Saturday, September 8, 2012

Drought Stricken

A Sunburnt and Thirsty Plant by Sharon Apted
image from publicdomainpictures.net


Hell descended upon the prairie, bringing with it caustic heat that destroyed crops and ignited tempers.  The earth cracked as all life-giving moisture vanished.  The natives prayed for relief but their dances around sacred fires only brought sweaty frustration.  Finally, one blessed day, the heavens opened and poured out renewing rains, restoring plants, people, and faith.

Drops of revival
After an extended drought
Can soothe a parched soul.


~~~  This poem was written for the haibun challenge at Poetic Asides.  You can find more information on the hiabun form here.

15 comments:

Grace said...

Nice capture of the dry and parched land ~ Rain is a blessing indeed ~

I appreciate the haibun ~

Kerry O'Connor said...

Coming from a drought-stricken country, I could immediately relate to this description.

Herotomost said...

Those last three lines are the bomb diggity. I can't imagine any weather phenomenon that is more frustrating than drought. You captured that really well. Great writing.

Laurie Kolp said...

Could you please some my way?

Mimi Foxmorton said...

Nice, nice!
:)

Anonymous said...

well done, form and content

Peggy said...

Nicely done. The photo goes with it well!

Serena said...

Great use of imagery. I could feel the heat, the dryness. Then the ending was amazing...
Drops of revival
After an extended drought
Can soothe a parched soul.
Well done!

Kay L. Davies said...

I've lived in drought-prone areas for 20 years now, and can certainly relate to the photo and your wonderful writing, Mary. I had never heard of the haibun form, but I enjoyed yours so much, I followed the link you provided, and I think I'd like to try it some time.
K

Margaret said...

lately, I have enjoyed walking in a light rain. I used to worry about my hair, makeup... I have missed out all these years!

my heart's love songs said...

i felt this one, Mary! the haiku portion is especially evocative.

a wonderful haibun! {a form i favor.}

Mary said...

Beautifully composed haibun. I definitely know of what you write..firsthand as well.

Susan said...

Beautiful. I enjoyed reading this deep description; enjoyed thinking about the "drops or revival" and the "parched soul" both in terms of literal drought and in terms of the "dark night of the soul" when God seems unreachable.

Jinksy said...

You managed to make me feel thirsty as I read! LOL

Sharp Little Pencil said...

Your image of the parched land, the thirsty soil, so apt as we in the Midwest emerge from a crippling drought. The haibun was beautiful, as Creation brings relief. Loved it. I'll link you with my drought poem, too... Peace, Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.com/2012/08/18/iowa/