Arid hearts
Infertile, dead and cold
In need of nurturing
Requiring fertilisation
A shower of love
A planting of an idea.
.
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© Neil Hayes and neilhayeswriter
Arid Hearts
Tag: Society
Graffiti, slur on society?
A blemish on our cities, or an artistic addition to our world? Graffiti, art form or hooliganism? It’s a difficult and divisive topic, especially between generations. But it is something I have warmed to recently, having in the past had quite negative feelings towards it.
Graffiti art can be beautiful, thought provoking and empowering. I am not talking about people tagging their names on walls of buildings, I believe that is simply vandalism. But if you have something to say, and it’s in the right place, it could be considered a legitimate form of public demonstration; or simply something to brighten up an otherwise grey, blank wall.
With everything going on in the world today, with even leaders of nations constantly slurring anyone who disagrees with them, maybe some public art to promote intelligent thought is no bad thing. LIke all art there is good and bad, and I guess that just comes with the territiory.
Daily Post: Slur
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
Concrete Jungle? Don’t be deceived.
Grey, faceless block of flats. On the edge of town, as far as the eye can see. Not the most attractive and they certainly have negative connotations for a lot of British people.
In Britain, these types of buildings are normally in poorer, run down areas and as such can also feel unsafe. But in the Czech Republic, this is normally not the case. These blocks, constructed from panels in the ’80s, were erected so that normal, everyday people would have somewhere affordable to live, close to the city.
These are family areas, almost every block has a well-maintained playground, or three, just around the corner. And living here is quiet, neighbours behave with respect towards each other. Of course, the smaller the block the better, any block with forty flats is going to get some noise passing between the walls.
You would also think that with all these people the streets would be noisy, but sometimes I wonder where everyone is. It’s more peaceful than many Czech villages, which are sometimes used as major traffic routes.
So, all in all, I am happy living in my Concrete Jungle. It’s close to town, with excellent shopping, sports and natural opportunities within an easy walk. My kids can play, in safety. And crime? It doesn’t seem to exist, or maybe I’m just lucky?
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
Resist
How do we resist the way the world is turning? How do we resist the rise of the selfish? Christian countries behaving in a truly un-Christian way.
Religion plays no part in my life, but if people say they believe, then they should act like it. Stop looking after your own corner, your own people.
The world is full of people, that’s it. Forget the colours, the religions, the clothes that make us different. Try and remember what makes us the same.
Via Daily Prompt Resist
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
Respect
Is it strange that one of my favourite places to go is a cemetery? But not just any cemetery. In Hradec Králové there is a cemetery, located in the forest, which is tranquil and beautiful. It is looked after so well it compares to any small park you could wish to visit. But, of course, it is not a park and you must remember this when you visit there.
Czech people take care of their family plots and graves to a very high standard. Most cemeteries are clean, well maintained, and have fresh flowers and candles lit. It is traditional, in most families, to visit and clean at least once per year. But, sometimes, it is even weekly.
Now, I am not a religious person. I believe once you are gone, you are gone. The Czechs too are a very atheistic people. So this tradition seems to be carried out for a different reason. Respect for family; for the past, the present, or for the future.
If you visit the forest cemetery you will see gravestones scattered amongst the trees, in a very natural setting. They are immaculate, even in winter. And, if you are very lucky and quiet, you may even see a deer peering around a trunk at you. Here is one place that, when you pass away, you really do return to mother nature.
© Neil Hayes, neilsworldofenglish and neilhayesphoto
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