Tuesday 19 March 2024

A Snowdrop Soliloquy

 I’m sure I saw some snowdrops in the lane,

Heard bird cries almost deafened by a plane

As Zaventem, the airport is close by

And flights disturb the peace of springtime sky.

 

In the woodland, just a stone’s throw from my home

I often like to meditate alone

And observe how warmer days awake from sleep

Nature’s hidden marvels which now creep …

 

Across the muddy pathways; tendrils preen …

South-facing moss has turned the tree roots green!

Birds splash in shallow puddles which display

On their mirrored surface, skies still grey…

 

And yet, despite Jan’s brief display of snow,

This month of March provides a warmer glow;

Though the traumas of our world roll on (increase?)

Here among the beech trees, I find peace.


 (c) Poet in the woods 2024




 

Wednesday 13 March 2024

In the Dog House

News item:  did I hear it right

On population growth - a blight?

It seems we ladies change our tune

And eschew having kids: High Noon!

 

We modern women now have choice

Motherhood – a quieter voice …

With the lure of earning, a career!

Why spend money on child care?

 

Companionship, a human need

Does not go away; indeed

On Tik Tok, Facebook and the like

Ladies still seek “Mr. Right”.

 

But their profile comes with canine friend

A faithful hound with whom they spend

Their precious free time after hours

 Constancy in sun and showers!

 

Of course they want a loving mate

Yet feel no need to procreate!

But sans the patter of small feet,

Our pension pot will soon deplete!


(c) Poet in the woods 2024



Wednesday 6 March 2024

Gate 16 - Adelaide Airport

Proud silver bird with wings outstretched

Being delayed, our flight affects …

On sultry tarmac, trucks deploy

The DNATA catering van I spy.

 

Then a cavalcade – long baggage train;

Beyond it, Adelaide’s vast plain

In purple haze in heat intense;

Leaving my family is a wrench …

 

While modest “Virgin” planes cruise by

Singapore Airline’s on standby:

Fast turnaround with great precision

It so deserves its top position!

 

‘SQ’ - synonymous with style

How its hostesses beguile!

Demure and graceful, always sweet

As honoured guests each one they greet!


(c) Poet in the woods 2024


5.3.2024





Tuesday 27 February 2024

A Moody Piece

A change of scene, of hemisphere

In Routine ‘s curtain, makes a tear

My mundane actions lose their bite

And attitudes change – overnight.

 

Winter months – in summer sun!

A change of mood, alternate fun

Not “upside down” but way-off-beam

In short, an otherworldly dream …

 

The fear of bushfires is intense

Cyclone damage is immense

But smiles can often make my day

Conferring warmth to my brief stay.

 

Australia seems so surreal;

Encapsulating how I feel

Depends perhaps on weather news

With little rain, how I enthuse!

 

Europe’s footprint here is light

My reference points are out of sight

But this land of settlers, history-scarce

Never fails to prompt my verse!


(c) Poet the woods 2024


Aborigine Dreamtime

Friday 23 February 2024

Adoption - Australian Style!

In an outback town in far N.T.*

Peacocks and Peahens tend to be

A “Beautiful-But-Big” invasion

Who settle here sans invitation!

 

Town Elliott in consternation,

Hits nature headlines in this Nation

Out of all proportion to its size -

As this bird threat is on the rise!

 

Though a tourist pull, the residents

(All 287) are incensed

But these feral lovelies do not care

Bequeathing droppings everywhere!

 

Their high-pitched squawks now cause unrest

It’s not “No worries!” -  they’re a pest;

They’re bold and feisty, ruffle feathers

And thwart the townsfolks’ best endeavours!

 

So, the Mayor, McLaughlin, has a scheme

Perhaps a brand-new outback dream?

“Adopt a Peacock!” he intones

All can have one in their homes!


(c) Poet in the woods 2024


* Northern Territory


A splendiferous peacock!

Sunday 18 February 2024

Beyond the Fringe

The heat is on, in every sense

The urge to snooze midday – intense

But chores and shopping must be done

And fridges filled to kingdom come!

 

A fruit bowl décor is not wise

Opportunistic are Oz flies!

In no time clothes become bone dry

But elastic rots – undies bye! bye!

 

Shopping mall – aircon full blast

Otherwise, we sweat so fast!

And as for plants – they gasp for rain;

Watering - a daily strain!

 

A tiny gecko whizzes past

Ants nibble toes in the long grass;

Fire’s a risk – as many trees

Shed their leaves in slightest breeze.

 

Monsoon rains lash the Top End

Will Perth’s scorching summer end?

While Adelaide greets festive Fringe

And parkland crowds go on a binge!

 

‘Festival State’ on number plates;

Stand-Up comedy, debates

Concerts, music, cabaret

What wealth of talent on display!


(c) Poet in the woods 2024



 The Adelaide Fringe: 16th February - 17th March, 2024

Friday 16 February 2024

Under Pressure ...

The pressure mounts, world tension rises

From Middle East come bad surprises;

Dried up is that pool of calm

Our ‘qui-vive’ blocked in mode ‘alarm’.

 

Does life, dear Readers, still make sense?

I would not wish to cause offence

But everywhere the newsreels turn

Lie harsh lessons we must learn…

 

Injustice, violence and crime

Upset our joie de vivre – big time

Horrors roll out and increase;

Where can poor souls now find peace?

 

Good news rarely makes the cut;

As fear and drama and bad luck

Beset our human kind in waves

Conclusion: no one now behaves…


(c) Poet in the woods 2024