LEH... as I see it

I have never been to Leh.
But seen it thru the eyes of so many photographers.

Harsh and severe yet beautiful and mystical  

in shades of blue, brown, grey

I leaf through the books again and again

in wonder, amazement, 

absorbing each grain of the photographed terrain 

and imagine.... 
the un-inhabitable life in Leh.

LEH .... as I see it through the eyes of friends

Dry
arid
untouched
vast and open 

rooftops rising
on tips of mountains

Rocks...
stark
brown
deserted
barely a tree of green
scattered around

Wind...
harsh
piercing cold
squint eyes chapped cheeks
hands frozen
suddenly
white teeth appear as lips smile open

Flags...
small
colourful
strung long all around
flapping fluttering the hymn song
bless us Lord
"make us strong
through each storm
through winter long
make us strong enough
to live on..."

(images taken from internet)