An Escape Route!

 I love to read, escape the grind

As much in real life seems unkind;

Why must countries go to war?

What other horrors lie in store?

 

Then money; some we all must have

But having too much turns us bad

‘Cos people matter more than “things”

And friendship untold riches brings.

 

As for that buzzing news on line:

Too much to take in; we drink wine

Or dabble in mind worlds unreal

Until we don’t know what we feel.

 

If this is how life is, I’m out

We just need those we care about

A plague on data overload!

My brain feels ready to implode…

 

So, a cup of tea and a good book

Curled up in cosy inglenook

Provides the sanity I need

Sweet respite from this world of greed…

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

A Brief Encounter

Friends come to Brussels - and it rains!

A mini-trip between two trains

At end of March where chilly skies

Make rays of sunshine a surprise.

 

With backpacks, woolly hat and scarves;

In Belgium – they do nowt by halves!

We see Gudula’s resting place

Then head downtown and pick up pace

 

 The ‘Monnaie’ pillars now proclaim

Support for sad, war-torn Ukraine;

To Brussels’ heart; down winding street

Chez Léon for some “moules et frites” !

 

Warm friendly chat about old times

And yes, they also read my rhymes!

Nor does our conversation stall

For old friends are the best of all!

 

The Grand’Place mansions they admire

The town hall (ditto) and its spire!

Quick! Some photos while it’s dry

Against a threatening grey sky…

 

All done and dusted; soon it’s three

A taxi takes them to Midi

A fond farewell on cobbled street;

I wonder when we next shall meet…

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

Chez Léon Rue des Bouchers

 

A Raw Deal!

 My rooftop terrace looks forlorn

Dead leaves lie scattered from fierce storm

Some window boxes - split and torn

Just weeds survive.

Sun shows up walls a dingy grey

In places, paint is chipped away

The winter grime looks set to stay

But insects thrive!

 

Wisteria branches, claw-like, bare

Send spindly twigs through chilly air

Buds peep through trellis, here and there …

It’s time to prune;

Secateurs come to the fore!

Three green bags filled - but I need more!

Brisk tidy up – but hands are raw;

Hope Spring comes soon!

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

Spot On Driving!

Thomas takes the wheel with verve and pride

Sweet Isabella by his side

Perhaps a test drive? We shall see

They're on a supermarket spree!

 

This brightly-coloured orange car

May look as though it can go far

But all is artifice, alas

As it stays put, no fear of crash.

 

But coin-in-slot and they’re away

As their vehicle starts to sway

So instantly they get the feel

Thrilled by independence real!

 

Time flies - the lust to drive is strong;

Auntie fears it won’t be long

Before our lad grabs Daddy’s keys

And takes to driving like a breeze!

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

Umbrella Weather!

For those who have to get things done

This cold and damp is just not fun

A brolly-exodus in rain

To do one’s shopping - is a pain.

 

Hair in dreadlocks, dripping wet

We look a mess - but what the heck?

STIB shelters try to keep us dry

But buses splash as they whiz by.

 

We still wear gloves, our noses glow

There’s talk of sleet, perhaps of snow;

Rain-sodden awnings, empty chairs …

March has caught us unawares!

 

Doorways - full of bone-chilled folk

Where someone, vainly, tries to smoke;

St. Catherine’s square: disjointed crowd

Brave tourist guide who chats, unbowed.

 

What’s “normal” these days, anyhow?

Wind-blown birds and trees that sough?

We shiver and bemoan our fate

When will these damned clouds dissipate?

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

Fire Drill for Thomas and Isabella!

Plagued by drought - fire is a threat!

Down Under sparks can fly unchecked

For many months throughout the year

Fierce  northern winds engender fear …

 

South Australia – driest State

Where bush fires often escalate

Wreaking havoc as they go

A phenomenon all Aussies know …

 

So, I was very pleased to see

My little ones on special spree

Keenly watching fire drill

As handling hoses needs great skill.

 

Water - such a precious source,

With walls of flame – par for the course…

There are water hydrants everywhere

But do not park in front! Beware!

 

Though young, our two are made aware

Of fire, so they can prepare;

Australia has a haunting grace

But fire can scorch her pretty face …

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

at the CFS (Country Fire Service)

The Art of the Brick Exhibition

Lego bricks in all their splendour

Amazing artwork to remember!

Multi-coloured, deftly wrought

Creativity self-taught.

 

Ex-lawyer, Nathan Sawaya tries

To re-make paintings in new guise:

“Girl with Pearl Earring” by Vermeer

And poignant “Scream” by Munch, are here.

 

Rodin’s “The Thinker”, makes the cut;

Of the posed human form – a glut!

Andy Warhol’s in the mix

With Masks and Apples – all in bricks.

 

Klimt’s famous “Kiss” is intricate

The giant Dinosaur is great

Huge Pencil and Computer Screen

Roman Emperors are seen!

 

This art is fragile, “Do not touch!”

But kids love Lego very much

So, at the end of the display

Are piles of bricks with which to play.

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

Klimt's "The Kiss"

Having fun!

A Chilly Thrill!

Though winter lingers in our sights

The crispness of the day delights

Amazing – sky of peerless blue!

The birds sense there’s a change in view.

 

Their happy cries (or is it tweets?)

Echo down the chilly streets

Faithful harbingers of spring

The mating season can begin!

 

It’s Friday! Workers spill outdoors

Abandoning their admin chores

At lunchtime as, all wrapped up warm,

Into chic eateries they swarm…

 

While scarves and woollen hats abound

My gloves accompany me to town.

The shops of course sport springtime wear

But I’m too cold, so do not care …

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

March 2nd - Reflections

Train crash in Greece* – were signals missed?

G20 in New Delhi tryst

A longer wait for pension date?

This incessant buzz is hard to take!

 

“No news is good news”, as they say

So, what shall we be told today?

That housing rents will be increased

Tough Dutch exams to get a lease?

 

Dramatic scenes on the world stage

Our thoughts and feelings now engage;

Hyper-connection is the rule

With computers used in school!

 

Sometimes we need to step outside

 Draw breath and enjoy the ride!

Observe the burgeoning spring green

And allow ourselves to dream!

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

* 57 deaths and many injured.