Life, nature, animals
Struggling for survival
Fighting every day
Combatting each other
Striving for more
Destroying as they go
Corrupting, defiling, twisting
Oh, sorry, that’s just us
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© Neil Hayes and neilhayeswriter
Survival
Tag: Society
City Life
Surrounded by people, movement everywhere. Action, noise, life. Living in the city can sound stressful, and appear unattractive to those who prefer the countryside. But, for me, life in the city affords too many opportunities to miss. But I am not talking about living in London or New York, I am talking about life in a small city. Hradec Králové, in the Czech Republic, would be a medium-sized town in Britain, but here it is one of the larger towns or cities.
Hradec provides the perfect mixture of urban living and green nature and it suits me and my family perfectly. If you are looking for things to do, you are rarely disappointed, certainly from a family point of view. Maybe younger people would disagree and yearn for life in the capital, but not me.
But I never feel crowded in the city, mainly because people keep to themselves. In the village, it feels like everybody is watching to see what you are doing. Now I don’t want to give the wrong impression, I love the countryside, I just don’t want to live there. Weekly visits are enough. Trips to the forest, fishing, photography, these are all parts of my life. Everyday life, however, has to be based in the city. Variety, after all, is the spice of life and that is what city living gives you.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
The European Lifestyle?
What is the European lifestyle? Often, these days, I here people defending their histories and cultures. In an attempt to fight off change, from a fear of difference. Even countries which were, relatively, newly founded by immigrants are scared of the new wave which they see coming.
We have a more ancient history in Europe, but it has still been many years since we all looked the same. When people make a claim for their culture it is all relative. How far back do you go? When did your culture begin?
In truth our cultures have always been changing and will continue to do so. Evolution happens, don’t let anyone tell you any different, and is a thing to be embraced. Multicultural societies enrich us, if we are open and welcoming. If we are closed and hostile, then we have problems.
How do you feel if someone opposes you and mistreats you? You fight back, it is human nature. When people feel excluded they search for something else. Anything else to make them feel needed and secure.
To me, the European culture is a human stew of many ingredients. And without a little spice, that stew would be extremely bland.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
Separated
Whether it be a wall, a fence or a natural boundary. Is it ever good to be divided? Maybe one side feels better than the other, but even the builder is restricted.
Isolation and separation will narrow your mind and constrict your heart. Suspicion is the fuel for hate. Education is the fuel for understanding.
Open your mind and open your heart. We don’t need spikes on a fence, we need empathy in our souls.
Daily Prompt: Spike
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
Black and White
Almost every news, or information, item that appears on my facebook feed has no meaning. Pictures of a few maniacs used to justify hatred of an entire group. Images of a sick child with the suggestion to share or like to send a prayer, and if you don’t you must be a monster. Being asked to like something to show your support, and told you are a coward if you don’t.
The problem is that nothing is black and white. All police officers are not good, most are and do an unenviable job. All muslims are not terrorists, some are and need to be stopped. And if you want to help a sick child then make a donation, or do something concrete.
So, everyone, please stop posting this polarising nonsense. It has no purpose, it is too simplistic and it is divisive. And that is the last thing we all need.
Daily Prompt: Meaningless
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
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