Empty of Thirst

clouds bypass deserts
mountains suck up all the rain
only waves of heat

Kim M. Russell, 2018

My response to Carpe Diem #1363 Taklamakan Desert (the “Sea of Death”)(Northern route)

Today, on our journey along the ancient Silk Road, we are following the Northern Route that brings us along the Taklamakan Desert, one of largest shifting sand deserts in the world.  Chèvrefeuille tells us that there is no water in the Taklamakan Desert, making it hazardous to cross; ‘Takla Makan’ means ‘go in and you’ll never come out’. He explains that merchant caravans on the Silk Road would stop for relief at the thriving oasis towns, watered by rainfall from the mountains. However, nowadays, many of them have become ruined cities in sparsely inhabited dusty spots with poor roads and minimal transportation.