Survival 2 - Desert

Nature finds a way - in the dry, barren environments

So much water there may be,

but if land we all divided.

A third of what we can see,

would be desert it's decided.

ASIA

Mongolia's Ghobi is the coldest,

every season snow's at home.

Near extinct now there the boldest,

Bactarian camels roam.

No water can be found,

so the camels munch the snow.

There's no thaw into the ground,

it just evaporates you know.

AUSTRALIA

On the outback's sandy floors,

Red Kangaroos survive.

As mid-day sun's heat pours,

the 'roos' some tricks contrive.

At noon below a tree,

lick saliva to their arms.

This cools their blood you see,

and protects from UV harms.

Through dry crust they will break,

to cooler earth below.

Relaxed, their bodies take,

a while for heat to go.

AMERICA

The USA's not spared,

it has deserted plains.

Arizona moisture's shared,

amongst cactus when it rains.

Though wildlife's not much,

they will find the water.

Snakes, lizards, birds and such,

learn how to...'cause they gotta'

Utah's Ibex have the need,

to be involved in fights.

Apart from drinking or to feed,

it gains them breeding 'rights'

AFRICA (Sahara)

Sahara is the one,

the largest we'd all say...

Believe me it's no pun,

it's as big as U.S.A.

Uninhabited you think,

as you scan the sand.

Underground most creatures sink,

their nocturnal lives well planned.

Fennec Fox, lizards, snakes,

and smaller creatures too.

At dusk each of these wakes,

to play, breed, drink or chew.

Moisture on a stone,

a tiny shrub or plant.

Their adapted styles have shown,

they survive where others can't.

AFRICA (Namibia)

Namibian sands have given,

a home to many creatures.

Adapting how they're livin'

with inhospitable features.

Here elephants can live,

their life a steady grind.

Great effort they will give,

roots or water hard to find.

Lions live there too,

in much smaller prides.

With shaded places few,

in rocky crags each hides.

For Oryx they'll patrol,

it's an antelope of strength.

Open desert 'comes it's goal,

past lion hunting 'length'...

'Flash floods' damp the soils,

the Oryx then return.

Hungry lions seize the spoils,

it's how these creatures learn.

AFRICA (Kalahari)

In recent years we've seen,

popularity increased.

For Meerkats this has been,

it's a mongoose type of beast.

Down in the Kalahari,

it lives in family bands.

When it feeds it doesn't tarry,

quick death it understands

A 'look-out' stands upright,

whilst others have a feed.

There comes a bark of fright,

if there is the need.

Into their holes they dive,

from birds of prey and more.

They've learned how to survive,

thus they even up the score.

*

And so the sands in time,

combining with the breeze,

will eat away the lime,

and other rocks with ease...

* * *

Author's Note

I aim to entertain with my natural history poetry but if it also educates, then I'm pleased.

Reviews

It's good to see that the desert is one of the few area's which nature will continue to flourish as it has for the past millennium. Although it make look harsh and barren there is always life there, your poem illuminates that world quite brilliantly. I love how you specify the deserts and give their creatures the spotlight. I was most interested in your interpretation of Australia, it being my home and all. You did really well with it.
Thanks for sharing.

[Maya Storm]

I have been off this site for awhile, but when I came back I wanted to see what you had been up to.

First of all I have to say I love the great continental divide it really drives home the point. Ever so apart and sharing the same faith, I was educated by this piece more so that being entertained and that is not a bad thing at all. You left me thinking. This piece is completely selfless and I am glad that I had the chance to read it. I enjoyed seeing the plants and animals and how they behave.

America: I always forget that there are desserts there too. I use to see mongoose growing up in the Caribbean and it's just nice to see them mentioned.

"it's a mongoose type of beast." this made me smile.

You really elevated my soul today. You did great. Many Thanks.

[anne p. murray- LadeeAn..]

Tom,
I was so pleased to read this wonderful poem, offering me a look into the different countries. I've never been able to travel outside the U.S and this has offered me a glimpse into the different countries, their terrain and their animals. Thank you for haring this great poem.

[Christina May Shanaberg]

A wonderfully penned poem about deserts and very informative; however, you missed the biggest desert in the world, which is in the United States and in Alaska! I couldn't help but tell you that, because I learned it from one of my children's V-Tech Computers. I was as shocked as you are, now, reading that, too. Maybe, you can research it and add it. However, it was a great write as it is. Beautifully penned!

[emmajoy]

And how much you entertain with your fine meter! This is not only an interesting poem but a very captivating one and could so easily be used in schools .. children learn when rhythm and fun's thrown in!

You must have spent considerable time on this writing, bravo!.