Mood Swings

In the puddles on my terrace, clouds reflected;

August with a wave of rain infected

Which dents my hopes for sun on this new day

How brave can I be, when skies are grey?

 

So, I wonder how it is with YOU, out there

When you pull open curtains, do you stare

At this misty veil which means less heat

And desist from wearing sandals on your feet?

 

The happy hordes down south soak up the sun

Braving traffic chaos for beach fun

While those of us who stay to earn our crust

Cope with rainy days because we must!

 

That temperatures affect our mood is true

Emotions roller-coaster our lives through

Variety is the spice of life they say

But how much still sparks joy in hearts today?

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

 

Greenwashing et al.

Laundry may get washed each week;

But of ‘greenwashing’*, who dares speak?

So much today one cannot trust

Spoon-fed posts can make brains rust!

 

Core beliefs are put on trial

Profit margins hide with guile!

Big Brother skulks on Internet

Environment concerns - shipwrecked!

 

What happened to old 'peer review'?

Who knows for sure what facts are true?

The business world, imbued with greed

Runs roughshod over human need…

 

Grim-minded Nature takes a stand

To teach us, she will flood dry land

Hence earthquakes rock our status quo:

Unite we must or down we go!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Greenwashing is the deceptive practice of making unsubstantiated or misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or company.

A Mixed Palette of News

Let’s think back; in the last few days

We have sweltered in heat haze

Riedlingen train crash – three souls dead

Cambodia/Thailand border – red!

 

Food trucks arrive on Gaza strip

Trump’s trade tariffs take a dip

Satirist Tom Lehrer’s passed

Ozzie Osbourne’s breathed his last…

 

True, friends on holiday, have fun

But for the rest of us, it’s rum

Now heavy rain cleans Monday’s slate

So, what have we to celebrate? 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Notes: 27th July: S.W. Germany: Riedlingen train crash caused by overflowing sewage shaft which caused a landslide. 41 people injured.

Tom Lehrer brilliant US satirist, famous in 1950s-1960s (1928 - 26th July, 2025)

John Michael Osbourne, known as Ozzie, leader singer of heavy metal group "Black Sabbath" (1948 - 22nd July, 2025)

On Reading Between the Lines!

Each day, I delight to see

How many of you “follow” me.

On line of course, not down the street,

Whom among you, will I meet?

 

So, yes Folks, this is what I do

Strike a gentle chord with you.

And no, I never use A.I.

“It’s all original!”, I cry.

 

My blog is read around the clock!

My cheeky rhymes must hit the spot

With regulars from overseas

Who love my puns; my playful tease…

 

How did you find me? I’m confused;

A word search based on current news?

Or a theme which you hold dear?

It’s flattering to find you here.

 

I treat all subjects with respect

Unlike some posts on Internet

My aim is simply to bring joy

And with awkward subjects toy …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

July 21st - some Reflections

On National Day, we felt the “drache”

But what is Belgium without splash?

Stands sprang up near Poelaert’s pile*

Hot frites enjoyed by rank and file!

 

The King’s traditional speech had bite

Reminder of the E.U.’s might;

How it’s more vital now than ever

For all of us to pull together …

 

The Police and Army did their stuff

We learn that these careers are tough!

The Cour des Comptes held Open Day:

Neoclassic splendour on display!

 

An impressive tank held kids in awe

Huge coastguard speedboat to explore…

Bold military bands played fast

As two giants glided past!

 

The Governmental year is done;

This country briefly beats as one;

Strict measures will require restraint …

Today, however, no complaint! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* The Lawcourts

Note: drache is Brussels slang for heavy rainfall

My Over-the-Top Mum!

Words fail me; what to say or do

When you, Mama, hit 1-0-2?

No card exists for this high score;

As for gifts - do you need more?

 

Objets d’art encourage dust;

Is Belgian chocolate still a must?

The sad thing is I cannot share

Your once-in-a-lifetime dare!

 

The ‘tyranny of distance‘ rules!

Brussels swelters while Oz cools

It’s mid-winter in July

While sunbeams glorify our sky!

 

Rare soul indeed with this long run

Your Memory Book is next to none!

You welcome those who come to call

Alert as always, on the ball!

 

I wonder how you’ll celebrate

This “I-can’t-quite-believe-it” date;

Hang out the flags and roll the drum

For my 1-0-2 dear Mum!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Isabella (7) with Mum (102)

Thomas is not Stumped!

To root out problems can be hard;

New challenge for the family bard!

Mummy’s yard is overgrown

Tree stump removal skills - unknown.

 

So, Thomas, at his Dad’s behest,

Wonders what action is best.

Decision:  just brute strength and time;

Dig, tug and pull – all should be fine!

 

But hidden deep in wintry ground

Tenacious are these roots, and sound!

A real man’s job, nephew infers -

Time perhaps to earn his spurs*?

 

A daring tug-of-war ensues

Isabella is enthused;

While Mum admires, a few steps back,

Thomas, her bold lumberjack!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* The Black Prince earned his spurs at the battle of Crécy in 1346 aged 16. Thomas is only 11.

 

A Viking Victory?

Compassion fatigue wears us down

So, let us think of a new noun

Which I only learnt today

Apparently, it now holds sway!

 

Since Apollo seems to rule

COOLCATION - or a climate cool

Tempts tourists to more northern climes

So, Sweden features in my rhymes!

 

A gentle breeze, cruise down a fjord

Which hopefully one can afford

Provide a welcome change of scene

Where lush scenery stays green!

 

Let us forget the Viking raids

The dragon-on-the-prow parades

Invasions which brought language new

And fearsome tales of derring-do!

 

Today’s world is a different place

Harsh war zones the old replace;

Sun-worshipping is so passé

So let us keep our cool today!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Jumbled July Thoughts

It’s little things that mean the most

Surprise phone call, hot buttered toast

A chance encounter – new-found friend

Dabbling in a quirky trend…

 

Long cycle ride down leafy lane

One day spent quite free of pain

Indulging in a hobby new

If you look, there’s much to do!

 

Summer means dear friends away

Tough challenge – how to fill your day?

Yet Brussels brims with sights and sound

Parades and carnivals abound…

 

(Forget sport on daytime TV)

Go out and enjoy - they’re free!

The café culture here prevails

While bargain hunters enjoy sales!

 

Quaint, surrealist, little known

Brussels is my home from home

There’s always something to enjoy

Amid the roadworks which annoy!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Mini Jardin Extraordinaire!

This façade garden greets your eye

Unexpected – don’t walk by!

Admire its shelves of tended flowers

Its owner must have spent long hours!

 

Step back, look closely, there’s a gnome

Proudly guarding this cute home!

While dog, cat, squirrel, butterfly,

All peep out at passers-by!

 

Such artistry put on display

Gives us pleasure every day

Inviting nature to our street

Where friendly neighbours meet and greet!

 

Green-fingered loveliness in sight

This blaze of colour – heart’s delight!

Each day I notice something more …

That’s what I love about Boitsfort!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Boitsfort's Meditation Garden

An arch of trees hides well-worn gate

But what a place to meditate!

Inside, some chickens greet my eyes

By clumps of nettles, buzzing flies…

 

The greenhouse has seen better days

Though plants in scattered pots amaze;

Tools lie unused by water butt

Near winding path where weeds get stuck!

 

Fun veg or flowers? Who’s to know?

Cautious steps to dell below

Ripples now and then disturb

Pond and waving willowherb…

 

Upturned barrel, rough-hewn bench

Nature’s mix-and-match bush fence

A hidden gem at Boitsfort’s heart

Where local gardeners make their mark!

 

Here kids can safely spend their time;

In nooks and crannies, they can climb

While those of more sedate years sit

Share stories, meditate – or knit!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Note: this "potager collectif" began in 2013.

Musing at Breakfast

I wake up, peer out - phew, it's hot!

I’m still here – my friends are not

They’re off in droves - by plane or car

To Greece, or Spain or somewhere far!

 

Brussels buzzes, dry and warm;

Tourists in the Grand’Place swarm

Admiring our Baroque main square

Indulging in an ice-cold beer…

 

Fierce sun for pralines is bad news

But over ‘frites’ we all enthuse

Not cheap, I grant you, but delish

And yes, they can be served with fish!

 

Little pleasures, it is clear

Perhaps that’s why I love it here;

In compact, zigzagged cobbled streets

'Tis true - the heart of Europe beats!

 

I stumble down my dusty stairs

Housework beckons, but who cares?

It’s Saturday and I have time

Hence this modest little rhyme!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Vanished Charm in Vilvoorde!

On Vilvoorde border there now lies

In quiet courtyard, a surprise!

Vast mural art – bold vibrant splashes

Van Moer scene evoked in dashes!

 

French artist from the Oise, divines

An ancient mill from gentler times

When this waterway had charm

And wealthy patrons loved the calm…

 

With the New World, increased trade

Brussels merchants had it made

Along its banks warehousing thrived;

Rural scenes like this soon died …

 

CERES, metals, fruit and veg

Now flourish on the canal’s edge

With noisy trucks in endless flow …

But it wasn’t always so…

 

Brussels history is vast;

Today’s street art recalls rich past;

Take a step back and admire

Brussels under Spanish power!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

the completed mural - on 2 walls

Original painting by Jean-Baptiste Van Moer (1819-1884)   

entitled: "Magasin près du Moulin Saint-Michel".

 

Nadège Dauvergne at work - (96 Chaussée de Buda, Haren)

Framed for Auntie!

This composition poised, untried

Positioned neatly, just inside

An ornate frame, front-facing view

Shows Isabella’s grin is new!

 

Dame Nature knows a thing or two

As growing up is hard to do;

To get adult teeth, we’re wired

It’s just patience that’s required!

 

The Pillow Fairy knows the score

That front gap wasn’t there before

But tooth replacement does take time

And occasions this short rhyme.

 

Thomas, very much the man,

Has passed this stage and so he can

Look kindly on her gappy smile

Less photogenic – for a while…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

 

Smurfmania!

What is dear Brussels coming to?

Peyo’s people born bright blue

Now known as Smurfs - are on parade!

Rihanna (Smurfette) has it made!

 

Down Mont des Arts police abound

Loudspeakers blare pulsating sound

While barricades halt tourist flow;

STIB buses don’t know where to go!

 

Smurf mini-cars parked on stone step

Round giant mushroom crowds collect;

A wide screen gives a bird’s eye view

Whichever way you look, it's blue!

 

The Manneken is not best pleased

His face now hidden when he pees

Swaddled in blue fuzz for hours

In Smurf costume he perspires!

 

King Albert stoic, on his horse

Observes this scene, par for the course

Surrealist to the nth degree:

Smurf debut film is a must-see!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

The Smurfs were created and introduced as a series of comic characters by the Belgian comics artist Peyo (the pen name of Pierre Culliford) in 1958, wherein they were known as Les Schtroumpfs.

King Albert on the Mont des Arts

Summer - Delayed?

Heatwaves forecast? I see rain …

Petals to be swept again

From my terrace puddle-filled

Grey skies leave me under-thrilled!

 

Off the radar, friends seek sun;

Sales up next – but who wIll run

To see what bargains they can find?

This ‘fast’ fashion blows my mind!

 

Tempting offers with a catch!

Summer trains are mix and match

Hoping to reduce the queue

More trains to the coast in view.

 

The glut of soft fruit is a lure

Great vitamins we all can share

While meat is chopped in little bits

For barbecues and roasting pits!

 

I observe this frenzy and I sigh

How quickly June has flown on by;

Heatwaves? All stays dripping wet

Has summer really started yet?

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

On Strike - Again!

Matchless Belgium goes on strike!

Another drama comes to light!

As such disruptions are not fun

Forgive indulgence in a pun!

 

That the world’s gone mad, we know;

Human nature stoops so low;

Injustice, chaos and pure greed

Always form a brazen seed…

 

Since climate change and sudden war

Provoke my Muse and take the floor

For some, my riddles may perplex;

What will this poet think of next?

 

Retirement dates to be delayed

Out-of-work fees to be frayed

Public transport routes curtailed

Daily life again derailed…

 

But blue skies and a hopeful sun

Remind me summer has begun;

At least one task was not neglected

My rubbish bins have been collected!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Brussels  Bin men at work!

25th June, 2025 - another public sector strike ...

A Monday Meditation

Extreme heat never lasts too long

We swelter briefly then ‘tis gone

For one day I wrap round sarong

Toes – sandal-free;

Then comes that dratted nip-in-air!

I shiver on my terrace chair;

No, Belgium’s summer isn’t fair

As change is key …

 

Winds rustle my wisteria leaves

Below a wall of waving trees

Discarded petals form a frieze

By hedgerows lush;

Outside I can sense the rain

Dog owners grim pass in the lane

Dusty smears grace window pane

Roof gutters gush…

 

Monday morning – traffic jams

Students sit their last exams

In the background passing trams

In constant flow;

Most working friends on mobile talk

Too wet to take my healthy walk;

I ponder - why is life so fraught?

Must it be so? 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Boitsfort Exodus

Today it’s warm and skies are clear

I get my walking shoes in gear

And saunter down paths overgrown

On forest edge, not far from home.

 

It’s Friday morn; cars drive on past

Where are they going – need I ask?

For I have left routine behind

A long time since, no daily grind…

 

Instead, I hear birds in the trees

Spy butterflies caught on the breeze

See flies on honeysuckle teem

Observe the lushness of June green ...

 

Weeds and flowers, bold as brass

Bob and curtsey as I pass;

A single poppy on fine stem

Strikes a bold note now and then.

 

By Boitsfort’s Rugby Club I pause

A swallow passes by and soars

Lost in a sky of sapphire blue

White chemtrails sadly spoil my view!

 

Nature needs no invitation

I lose myself in meditation

Taking time out is a knack!

But time presses - I turn back …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Plateau de la Foresterie

Brussels - the Green Apple?

In the Twenties horse race tracks

Brought in crowds along the flats;

‘Big Apple’ prizes named New York

Skyscraper way of life soon fraught…

 

Now Brussels has an Apple too

In Place Royale – of verdant hue!

It indicates, as you should know,

Magritte’s museum down below.

 

Another surrealistic touch

To Brussels buzz we love so much!

This painter’s codes perplex, amuse:

Bowler hats, weird lighting views.

 

Daily objects juxtaposed

Horses, veils and goodness knows!

Graphic artist, smart, effete

Artwork finely drawn – unique!

 

Most famous is that cloudlike bird!

His combinations are absurd

And yet they make us pause awhile…

Say what you will, the man had style!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

In Place Royale since October 2023

René Magritte (1898-1967) leader of the Surrealist Movement 

The Everlasting Beach Boys!

Lead singer, bold and debonaire

With innovative lyric flair

Brian Wilson hit the spot

His ‘Good Vibrations’ is still hot!

 

Surfing, beaches, USA …

Epitomising dream heyday

Those handsome Beach Boys timed it right

With optimism at its height!

 

‘California Dreaming’, ‘Sloop John B’,

Foot tapping ‘Barbara Ann’ got me!

‘Twas another time and place …

America with sunshine face.

 

This hedonistic youth pulse - gone

But ‘Wouldn’t it be nice’ lives on

Still captured in a time-warp phase;

Today’s U.S. lives troubled days…

 

His shooting star long shadows cast

But we haven’t seen the last

Of Brian’s genius which still flows

My silent thought: "God Only Knows"…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Brian Wilson (1942- 2025) died June 11th,  aged 82