Drowning - a Hot Topic!

As it hasn’t rained for ages

In the Grampians, the fire blazes

Torching undergrowth that’s dry

Once caught, small flames reach for the sky!

 

At Summer‘s peak, this fact of life

Is a constant source of strife;

With rainclouds not on radar yet

Leaf-littered gutters pose a threat…

 

Bold Northern wind fans tiny sparks

And in a flash a new fire starts!

De rigueur - suncream and hat;

But laundry dries in minutes flat!

 

This “Island Nation”* loves the sea

December:  families on the spree

Spending hours by sandy beaches

But death by drowning often features …

 

We Europeans, sun-deprived,

Love old Sol, but must contrive

To treat his fierce rays with respect

The skincare watchword is “Protect!”

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* Australia, of course!

Pre-Christmas Thoughts

Warm sunny days are wreathed in smiles;

Australia’s otherness beguiles

“G’Day!” is a familiar sound

And tinselled buses snake through town!

 

Grampian mountains* - up in smoke;

The rush to buy gifts frazzles folk

But stress-free – with vast parking spaces

And aircon helps to cool our faces.

 

Rock lobsters, China-bound, resume

The embargo cannot end too soon!

Mounds of prawns form festive fare;

Brawls in Melbourne – sad deaths there …

 

Sports of all kinds flood the news:

Cricket, netball, ‘Walleroos’**;

"Muster Dogs" on outback ranges:

A TV hit how I find strange is!

 

As usual, I feel quite remote

As around me I take note

Of new points of reference

Daily life here - less intense ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* In the N.W. State of Victoria

* *The Australian Women's Rugby Team

Isabella - at Seven!

Cool shades, pink parcel, magic wand

The wings suggest she flies beyond

The dull routine of every day

Eccentricity in play!

 

Why toe the line and just conform?

It’s seven years since she was born;

Assurance beams from deep inside

Isabella is our pride!

 

Well-spoken now, she chats with ease

Making friends she finds a breeze;

My niece has chutzpah*gift in spades

At only seven she persades!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* = Extreme confidence!

Adelaide - New First Impressions

Women’s rugby in the news

Australian sport promotes new views

Strong emphasis on PNG

New football Nation soon-to-be!

Vast heatwave** forecasted, we read;

Asbestos removal – costs exceed

What home owners need to pay:

Snippets on Oz news today.

 

Disoriented, jet-lagged too

I cannot sleep the whole night through;

The food tastes different, left-hand drive

My points of reference denied!

 

Snow-scene Christmas cards on sale

But old traditions have turned stale

As picnic fare for Christmas day

Puts cold turkey on display!

 

This island nation is unique

I adjust to Aussie-speak

Against a background of blue skies

A feast for jaded Northern eyes ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* PNG = Papua New Guinea

** 41°C

The "Wallaaros" were founded in 1993.

Mystery Callers

If someone rings me on fixed phone

And finds that I am not at home

Their number comes up on my screen;

So, I check to see who’s been.

 

Without a message, I am lost

Perhaps a scam call – so it’s tossed;

Friends leave a message – I call back

Because it’s nice to have a chat.

 

If urgent, people call again

Or at the least, leave me their name …

But rogue calls do not float my boat

Robotic dialling is no joke.

 

The red light flashes on my phone

Another number - quite unknown;

Though tempted, I shall not call back;

 The smartest ploy:  do not react! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Thomas Skywalker!

His new horizons filled with stars

Thomas sets his sights on Mars

Or maybe jolly Jupiter?

As the Moon is all we see from here!

 

That space is vast and we’re so small

Is what holds him in deep thrall;

He puzzles over Outer Space;

New habitats for human race?

 

The Greeks and Romans scanned the skies;

Astrology was highly prized

They used the stars to guide their way

Ere telescopes came into play…

 

As doubtless Thomas has found out

The Ancients worked each orbit out;

They conjured up the Milky Way

Advancing maths still used today!

 

Held in two hands - our Galaxy?

Here Outer Space is plain to see!

What a rich-veined science to explore

Soon Thomas will know much, much more! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Nobody Knows ...

Another tram ride on dull day

I gaze at travellers as we sway;

Announcement over Tannoy blares

Route curtailed – hence angry glares.

 

A youth with frizzy hair and hood

Grips hanging-strap in sulky mood;

It occurs to me with ring-in-nose

He attracts attention as he goes…

 

With sneeze and snuffles in the air

Due to cold draughts everywhere

I contemplate this latest fad

Is it weird, or wonderful – or mad?

 

 Piercings now are often seen

In polished silver; how they gleam!

Unfathomed fashion to behold;

I hope he doesn’t catch a cold!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Note for the curious - on Tram 8!

A Tme of Giving?

Rain-splashed punters fill rue Neuve

This urge to over-shop – absurd

Cheap finery the modern goal…

So, Primark queues need crowd control!

 

I gazed at tawdry goods on show;

Perhaps I’m jaded, who’s to know?

As bargains screamed out to be bought

While I a simple sandwich sought.

 

Carrier bags in waves went by

Under an indifferent sky;

The “Haves” and “Have Nots” wide apart

Sad pavement homeless have lost heart…

 

Elsewhere drones kiss young men goodbye

More homes destroyed – who questions why?

And shopping does not fit the bill

Providing only a cheap thrill.

 

Christmas looms; injustice reigns;

 “Peace on earth”, the Church proclaims

But who will put their money where

Those without receive more care?

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

A-Wristed Development!

Today, I ventured out alone

With loyal wrist-brace left at home;

On metro journey, next seat free

Sharp jolt and a man fell on me!

 

I felt his full weight  - metro swayed

"Damn, not on injured wrist!", I prayed

He – shocked and unaware no doubt –

Looked anguished as I then cried out!

 

This brush with danger made me scared …

I looked around but no one cared;

The man soon on his feet again

Oblivious he’d caused me pain.

 

Conclusion: “brace-free” isn’t fun …

But luckily, no harm was done!

When I got up, I clung on fast;

Spared from brand-new plaster cast! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

The STIB can get pretty crowded ...

Sold - One Scarlet Hat!

Our Belgian concept is unique:

Here Black Friday lasts a week!

But will this lead to hectic sales

With smart clothes flying off the rails?

 

I have my doubts; don’t see the point

Of putting purse strings out of joint;

(Gee – what a mixed-up metaphor

But that’s what Bards are famous for!)

 

St. Catherine’s has a festive face

Fake-snow topped chalets fixed in place

A Ferris wheel now dominates

The future ice rink – bring your skates!

 

Agreed, it has a magic touch

As it awaits December crush;

Mulled wine and tartiflette provide

Sustenance for those who glide!

 

‘Twas here I bought my scarlet hat

A touch of class among the tat

And glitzy, brightly-painted wares

That tempt keen shoppers with their stares!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Place Ste. Catherine - Xmas Market

 

Karma and Andy Warhol

 Each has his moment in the sun;

How fast those fleeting moments run!

Think Andy Warhol’s famed remark*

Just fifteen minutes of bright spark …

 

Whether life be long or short,

Full of fun and love - or fraught

Each of us encounters drama

It's how we face events - our karma…

 

Philosophy, it seems to me

Calms our souls and keeps minds free;

However cluttered are our lives

With courage, common sense survives!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* Andy Warhol (1928-1987) 

 

Making Connections

It’s strange how life works out sometimes

But circumstances inspire lines

In my humble poet’s brain:

I am published – once again!

 

As a Brussels guide for many years

I hold my own among my peers

In several languages of course

In Belgium – normal tour de force!

 

All kinds of visitors come by

Hopefully when it stays dry

They wander round our cobbled streets

And stop to sample chocolate treats!

 

Brussels’ story is complex

In our dialect, one detects

The ideologies of Spain

Just one strand in this rich skein!

 

Its chequered history richly woven:

St. Géry’s origins – unproven;

So many legends to explore

A clever guide will tell you more.

 

Hence, “A MUSE IN BRUSSELS” tries

To show you Brussels with new eyes;

With rhyme and reason to the fore

Dip in – I dare you to explore! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Note for the curious: my book "A MUSE IN BRUSSELS" can now be ordered from Amazon or from my Belgian publisher's website at www.bitbook.be.   Happy Reading!

Seasonal Interregnum

There is ice upon my terrace

Like shards of broken glass

My wisteria looks ragged

Its chlorophyll is past!

 

A leaf or two still cling on tight

Against a sky of grey

But they’ve no stamina to fight

So, they’ll be blown away.

 

The wind gets up – leaves in free fall

Cavort down cobbled slope

II one week there’ll be none at all;

How will the sweepers cope?

 

This change of season is abrupt

Farewell sweet Autumn song …

Dame Nature loves to interrupt

Now winter won’t be long!

 

Puddles mirror silver moon

Each hedge outlined in frost;

Mulled wine will be offered soon

At Christmas market cost! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

A Sequin of Events?

Our spangled beauty struts her stuff;

Can one of sequins have enough?

Wee belly dancer, I declare

Was she born with all this flair?

 

Her hair this time is pulled back tight

But those rogue wisps look just right!

Each outfit Isabella wears

Is guaranteed to cause keen stares …

 

Mama’s sharp eye means she looks cute

But whether fashionable - is moot;

This dressing-up lark - so much fun

How Auntie loves each pert pose done!

 

In childhood make-believe is key

Imagination must float free;

In time she’ll knuckle down, conform

Or wriggle in a uniform ...

 

But for now, our precious pearl

Can live her dream as sparkles swirl;

What’s on her mind at this young age?

Will she one day act on stage?

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Perched High!

On car rooftop – what is new?

Perfect for a better view!

Thomas seems relaxed, laid back

Torture-free, they’re on the rack!

 

This time, my niece is dressed in blue

Completely frill-free, sober hue;

Do I detect in this coy pose

A brand-new style? If so, it shows.

 

With wide-brimmed hat perched on his head,

Thomas gazes straight ahead

While Isabella’s locks protect

From blazing sunrays her swan neck!

 

Once more, a moment caught on-line

Which gives occasion for this rhyme;

They grow so fast; she’s nearly seven

With pre-teen Thomas soon eleven!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Mid-November Narrative

I wonder sometimes, should we dare

Ask ourselves why we are here?

We cannot seem to find our place

The on-line world's  a scary place!

 

There’s too much buzzing in our hive;

To keep updated we still strive

But the God of Chaos reigns

Dame Truth, to hold her head up, strains.

 

A tsunami input seems to flow

We’re caught up in its undertow

Think politics across the Pond

Or global warming far beyond…

 

Each day new challenges arise

 ChatGPT  - a fun disguise?

We fight to sift the chaff from wheat

No longer trusting our Elite!

 

Today’s youth has a mammoth task;

Can they these vast changes grasp?

The printed word cannot keep pace;

Does poetry still have a place?

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Painting by Japanese artist Hokusai (1760-1849)

In Contemplative Mood

 It’s vital that we keep in touch

With all our friends who mean so much;

A phone call, message (Instagram?)

Let’s wave to neighbours when we can!

 

This sounds a simple step to take

But COVID and Smart phones now make

The thought of meeting friends for real

Too hard to contemplate, we feel!

 

What inhibition holds us back?

Is it courage that we lack?

Who now sends an invitation?

Yet, when we get one: Joy! Elation!

 

Two seen in restaurant alone

Absorbed, though face-to-face, on phone;

Weird, muffled tram rides - no one speaks;

Each in his bubble on the streets …

 

So, today on walk near wood

Small kids played ball games as they should

Pink cheeks from effort, they ran wild;

What happened to our inner child?

(C) Poet in the Woods 2024

Musing at the Cenotaph

The cenotaph – an empty tomb

In which a Nation’s lost souls bloom

A poignant symbol all agree

Of futile deaths in lands called “free” …

 

Signed Treaties reneged, then unkept;

Countless widows who have wept;

Man’s failure to maintain the peace

Reminds us War is on long-lease…

 

Conflicts blight our news today:

Heartless drones the bold, smart way!

Though pretexts vary down the years

Every time we shed more tears …

 

At stake – vast oil or water deals

Land acquisition, faith ideals.

So, Injustice furls its banner high

War ignites and brave men die …

 

Global warming’s a rough ride!

“To love one’s neighbour,” we should strive

But sadly, human nature’s flawed

It’s simpler to gird up our sword! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

The Cenotaph in Whitehall, London

Quick on the Draw?

Poignant cartoons flood the net:

Statue of Liberty shows regret;

As hands to face she now sits down

Hiding from our gaze her frown!

 

Or she wades right back to France*

As Atlantic waves around her dance

And, affected by this ocean spray,

The Democrats with grace give way.

 

Such playful humour keeps us sane!

The trump card clearly won the game

So, leaders of the world’s strong nations

Offer their congratulations.

 

Will voters’ choice more lives enhance?

To this tune, we all must dance;

Tariffs, tax and tribulation

Weigh down the red train in the station!

 

New inmates for White House detected

As the top team is selected;

What lies ahead? Up for debate

But someone has piled high his plate!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* The Statue of Liberty inaugurated in 1886, was designed by French sculptor Fréderic Auguste Bartoldi (1834-1904).

Poised on a Knife-Edge?

The tension mounts; the world awaits

With bated breath those seven states;

Which way will they ‘swing’ this time?

My crystal ball will not define.

 

The outcome?  Will one side 'train wreck'?

For now, they’re running neck and neck.

But it’s been tough; let’s not pretend

Punishing schedules till the end!

 

Exchanging insults and fake news

Behind the rhetoric - strong views

Now vests are bullet-proof; with drones

Observing crowds for threats unknown.

 

A toss-up - no one knows the score

For pundits, sleepless nights in store

Voters – who knows what they think?

Will this Titanic swim or sink?

 

On the horizon, curtained mist

Sharp metaphor, to veil the gist…

After Biden, who knows who:

Scarlet Red or deep, deep Blue?

(c) poet in the woods 2024

Lost Connections!

Computers - helpmates good or bad?

A little slip can make you mad!

For each site we require smart codes;

My personal memory bank implodes ...

 

Is this an age thing? I reflect

That I was born before the Net

Dragged us through AI’s deep seas;

For Generation Z – a breeze!

 

Scan, copy or sign your consent?

I’m not always sure what’s meant

Less personal contact is a bind

I sometimes feel quite left behind!

 

Am I alone with this new Angst

Or perhaps, should I give thanks?

We’re told life’s safer with this tool

Which often makes me lose my cool!

 

Gone are the days of lengthy queues

For tickets – so that is good news

But nonetheless I feel regret

Do I Orwell’s oeuvre* detect?

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* George Orwell published '1984' in 1948.