Gremlins Galore!

Life doesn’t always go your way

Those pesky gremlins love to play

Upsetting apple carts galore;

If you show nerves, they do it more!

 

Life isn’t one long peaceful ride:

Troubles queue to get inside

Our would-be tidy lives and riot;

No good screaming out: “Be quiet!”

 

They plumb our weakness, pierce our shell

Just when things are going well;

When we’re bothered, feeling stressed

That’s the moment they love best.

 

Far be it from me to complain

As all of us, at times, feel strain

But you have to wonder why

Annoying clouds block out our sky.

 

Our path with obstacles is strewn

We see the dark side of the moon;

It’s hard to learn that life means risks;

Thank God the light, though faint, persists…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Late Afternoon Walk

We venture out, our scarves wrapped tight

Dogs and owners hove in sight;

By rough-hewn logs, we watch them pass

Intent upon their daily task…

 

The misty sun outlines beech trees

Whose leaves gyrate in autumn frieze;

This “golden rain” lights up my muse

A healthy crunch felt under shoes!

 

Sometimes, a jogger ambles by

With face determined, hair awry

Or couples, hand in hand, sedate

Lost to the world on private date…

 

Dark shadows lengthen – it is dusk

The wood holds no one else but us;

Bold street lights beckon through the trees…

We treasure moments such as these!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Drève de Bonne Odeur, Boitsfort

On Worry

Challenges come in many guises

The unexpected spawns surprises:

The false note in life’s merry song

A step misplaced makes fear’s grip strong…

 

Predictions – are just that – unknown;

Some nasty bug may trot along,

Or scary circumstance brand-new

May leave us frightened, shocked or blue.

Our confidence takes a hard knock

Confusion hits us – we take stock;

We feel at sea, or inner ear

 Plays up - so life becomes a blur …

 

Doubts plague us all from time to time

A personal dark cloud dulls our shine

The Universe makes us annoyed;

But all get anxious, dixit Freud!*

 

Of course, we know life isn’t smooth

We have to fight on and improve!

We run this gauntlet all our lives;

Thank goodness Folks, that Hope survives! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Sigmund Freud founder of psycho-analysis (1856-1939)

Unearthing Truth

Oft early darkness shrouds our thought;

But inner moods perhaps are caught

in fleeting glance, or gentle sigh …

Where hidden depths reach for the sky.

 

So often, feelings must be hid

Hence, white lies do what they are bid;

A smile that’s forced, does not convince

Or briefly fools us – at a pinch!

 

Truth and reality are gems

But through those damned screens, it depends;

Such tech-links mean our aura’s lost

Beware slick scam or double-cross …

 

Statesmen know the game to play

Their fancy rhetoric can sway …

Yet we should always be aware

What lurks behind the glossy stare!

 

That’s why an honest soul is rare;

A friendship built on trust and care

Can tell a harsh truth which is tough;

How many do this? Not enough!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

The Buzz at Zaventem!

Drones are hard workers; used to be

Think of hives and busy bee

Then the word took on new meaning:

To drone – a boring way of speaking.

 

But words evolve, new thoughts accrue

Now drones take flight and spy on you!

No longer seen as just a toy,

They buzz round airports* and annoy!

 

Surveillance takes on a new guise;

Remote-controlled, its roving eyes

Can capture everything we do

No longer safe. what can we do?

 

Though progress has its strong plus side

Not all is rosy; it can hide

A dark intrusive motivation,

So, I observe, with trepidation …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* i.e. 4th November, 2025: Drones spotted atbove Zaventem airport - flights delayed

 

A Woolly Hypothesis

Live each day right to the full!

Life is like a ball of wool

With vibrant colours all its own

Unique, amazing and to tone!

 

Each skein is warm and clings life long

Somehow you weave your own song;

Though it may twist, it will not break

But knots may take time to un-make!

 

Whether damp or grimy, it stays strong

Reminding you where you belong;

Moreover, it can be rewound

Hence, memories once lost, are found!

 

It unwinds gently through the years…

At times unravelling due to cares

But with resilience it is spun

Our heart and soul rolled into one!

 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

On Networking

Where entrepreneurs in Brussels meet

On Thursdays in impressive street*;

Behold a maelstrom of mixed souls

Each eager to present their goals!

 

Are chats at coffee time so hard?

Q-code exchange or business card …

Will these bright sparks keep in touch?

Who knows? Don’t expect too much!

 

How many keen types follow through?

Experience tells me – very few

Though opportunities to shine

Mean sharing expertise big time!

 

But those who do (and they are rare)

Indulge us: they admire our flair!

Networking is the buzzword new

Where Face-to-Face links me with YOU!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

BECI (Brussels Enterprises Commerce & Industry) 

* 500 Avenue Louise Brussels

Rainbow Reverie

On my walk down rain-washed street

Where piles of leaves whirl round my feet

And clogged drains cause small lakes to form

I am glad I wrapped up warm.

 

I’d nearly reached my rendezvous

I turned up early, as you do

When, just before I went inside

A stunning rainbow, my eyes spied!

 

Stopped in my tracks, ‘cos it was cold

I searched in vain for crock of gold;

No matter – on my mobile phone

I’ll take a pic and bring it home.

 

Alas, the phone rang sharp and shrill

At the wrong moment, as it will;

While answering its summons sharp

The rainbow made haste to depart!

Ephemeral beauty left behind 

Its presence lingers in my mind ...

As yet more rain begins to flow

Nature’s joys are often so…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

On Kings, Princes and Popes

Thoughts filter through my daydream mind;

How royalty is undermined

Kings rise and fall, and Princes too;

From Lodge to Tower would be new.

 

King Charles the Third is now in Rome

A rare desertion from the throne

In the Sistine Chapel he will pray

Beside Pope Leo* on this day.

 

Since King Henry’s “matter great”

Religion has caused much debate;

Wolsey was the last to go

With Catholic dogma overthrow.

 

Way back in 1534

We paid the Vatican no more;

Queen Katherine was put aside

Replaced by Anne as Henry’s bride.

 

The Church of England has stood firm

Though “Bloody Mary” souls would burn ...

Now a new entente is sought

Let’s hope the future is less fraught! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Pope Leo XIV = Robert Francis Prevost

View of St. Peters' Rome

Heist at the Louvre!

 Eight pieces - or pieces-of-eight*?

Jewellery heist starts fierce debate

Priceless oeuvres again are stolen

Created for who else? Napoleon!

 

Erstwhile fortress of King’s realm,

The Louvre has French State at the helm;

With its proud heritage on show

No wonder hordes of people go!

 

But safety measures were not tight

Thieves break glass in broad daylight

Apollon gallery – despoiled!

Macron, once again is roiled!

 

L’Elysée, shocked, has a red face

Swift hue and cry is put in place;

The perpetrators still unknown …

Shades of Arsène Lupin** roam!

 

It’s not the first time or the last

That burglars greedy eyes have cast

On treasures which they deftly steal;

Their capture will make top newsreel!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* The "piece of eight" originated from the Spanish silver dollar, a coin worth eight reales, minted from the late 15th century. It was cut into eight smaller pieces to make change for smaller transactions, giving it the name "piece of eight". 

 ** Note for the curious: Maurice Marie Émile Leblanc was a French novelist and writer of short stories, known primarily as the creator of the fictional gentleman thief and detective Arsène Lupin, often described as a French counterpart to Arthur Conan Doyle's creation Sherlock Holmes.

Slipping into October

October glows but leaves cascade

A golden, petal-like brocade

The scene is pure Baroque in rain;

Slip-sliding moments here again.

 

Swathes of leaves blown from tram track

City sweepers suck them back

Inside each fast cremation van:

 Slow process causing traffic jam!

 

Travellers warned to take good care

When strolling in the autumn air

The haunting beauty of tree hues

Distracts – hence need for sturdy shoes!

 

Dark evenings now, devoid of stars

E-scooters weave between wet cars;

But under magic autumn skies

In leaf-strewn streets - great danger lies …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

 

Hostage Aftermath

 With the hostages released

More food trucks now come through:

Fragile overtones of peace!

Will hope be born anew?

 

But we must still be wary;

With debris swept aside

Rebuilding will be scary;

Ahead - a rough, rough ride…

 

I’m not one for predictions

 But let’s keep fingers crossed

A warmer glow seeps through the smoke,

Perhaps not all is lost.

 

Ways and means and compromise

Will weave a lifestyle new

Though goalposts in this crucial game

 Risk being altered too…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Passing the Cultural Baton!

More Tweety Birds fall off their perch

Leaving culture in the lurch

Famed Sixties’ pop groups all lose members -

Glowing memories and embers…

 

Mick* and Keith Richards – rock and jive!

Cliff * and Tommy Steele – survive!

Yet Diane Keaton, Woody’s muse,

Has hit the headlines; such sad news …

 

It’s all too much; I feel bereft

How many idols are still left?

Some linger, but have lost the plot;

We wonder – how long have they got?

 

Each generation fresh blood brings;

Brand-new stars wait in the wings

En masse, the Baby-Boomers** quit;

This world by others will be lit!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Mick Jagger and Cliff Richard

** The 1946-1964 generation

Diane Keaton (1946-2025) and Woody Allen

Clogged and Bogged Down!

Clear skies with tiny nip in air

Spectacular October cheer

Where autumn tints in rich profusion

Show reds and russets in collusion.

 

Boitsfort’s tree-lined avenues 

Bold tapestries of vibrant hues ;

Though leaves that cascade in the rains

Seem hell-bent to re-block drains !

 

The Commune calls for strimmers’ clout

Their buzzy motors jerk weeds out 

In minutes local kerbs scraped clear ;

The task is endless – year on year!

 

Tsunamis wreck the Philippines !

Alicante now awash with streams

So, climate change in all its glory

Tops politics for this day’s story !

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Boulevard du Souverain - Boitsfort

 

A Waft of Woes

It’s tough when cancellations come

Be they for guided tours or fun;

You’ve buoyed yourself up, good to go

Then disappointments make life slow…

 

It can’t be helped but what’s to do 

When your plans have fallen through?

Though clouds look iffy, I set out

A cheery neighbour soon calls out

So, we exchange a word or two

A warm link made, I feel less blue …

Wow! It’s not raining - ain’t that nice !

Perhaps a brisk walk will suffice ?

 

I hear Dame Jilly Cooper’s died ;

Her raunchy novels by bedside

Made us laugh out loud in places …

One memory another chases…

 

An AmDram pal* now pays his dues,

Dementia sadly burnt his fuse 

Though long-lost to the Brussels scene ;

I flounder, tossed in life’s sad stream … 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* In memory of B.T. (1947-2025)

Authoress Dame Jilly Cooper (21.2.1937 - 5.10.2025)

R.I.P. Dame Patricia Routledge (1929-2025)

There is nothing I could name

Who so deserves the Dame

That our lass of Birkenhead

Won hands down; her talent spread

 

Through Old Vic theatre and TV ;

How we loved her repartee

Born of gritty Northern roots

Her acting had us in cahoots !

 

BAFTA win with  ‘Talking Heads’

Then with Richard, whom she weds

Hyacinth blows us away

With how she says her name : Bucket!*

 

Class-ridden Britain well portrayed

With wit she tries to make the grade

And elevate her humble station ;

Her Hetty Wainthropp – a sensation !

 

Patricia Routledge - household name

Has so many claims to fame …

Appearances no longer kept:

A rich life lived - the Nation wept …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Pronounced Bouquet

Richard and Hyacinth in "Keeping Up Appearances"

in which she starred wih actor Clive Swift.

She died on 3rd October, 2025 at 96.

Princely Encounters?

This is deep; do you dare think

How you with others forge a link

Through work, or happenstance, or school ?

Meeting up can be SO cool !

 

A conference can often send

A casual colleague, now new friend ;

Encounters on a bus, or plane :

Business cards swopped on a train …

 

At times, Eureka! A new bond

Who knows why ? Your heart feels fond ;

Hope can vanquish Never-Never …

Perhaps this time you’ll stay together ?

 

Grab each chance, as life is short

Real happiness is dearly bought ;

Will we meet these souls again ?

« Go for it ! The old refrain…

 

Carpe diem – seize the day!

Lonely souls will find a way ;

Each Prince Charming, in disguise,

Can lead us to a bright sunrise !

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

R.I.P. Dame Jane Goddall (1934-2025)

Another death now heads the list:

Think : ‘Gorillas in the Mist’*;

Like Diane Fossey and hors pair

Jane Goodall’s Africa was rare.

 

Befriending wily chimpanzees**

Observing human traits in these,

Our nearest link, so much alike;

For conservation she would fight…

 

Born in the Thirties, child in war,

The Sixties brought her to the fore;

Her actions and her dedication

To these apes – a revelation!

 

With forest forays left behind

She shared her knowledge with mankind

On lecture tours which captivated 

And new views initiated…

 

One of Nature’s pioneers

Role model for brand-new careers

Her spirit still inspires, set free

At Ninety-One with D.B.E…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* 1988 film set in Ruanda

** In Tanzania's National Park

In Book Heaven!

The summer heat still lingers

But the leaves crisp up and brown

The cotton clouds have fringes

The knotweed’s been scythed down.

 

A morning chill is forecast

We must prepare for rain

My bookshelf beckons - it's so vast

Let's snuggle up again!

 

Shall I turn the heating on

And sink in deep armchair?

I think my Autumn is on song

With reading matter near!

 

Reality today seems grim;

Disasters feed the news

But with a book to get stuck in

I switch off and enthuse! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Clean Water - Modern Miracle!

The autumn chill frisks up the leaves

Unravelling Nature’s summer sleeves

Causing mulch soaked by the rains

Hey Presto! Lots of clogged road drains!

 

Our Sewer Workers must delve deep

To clear those blocked pipes while we sleep;

They toil in murky depths below

To regulate the water flow.

 

24/7 they must fight

Unhealthy creatures* out of sight

Wading knee-high in town waste:

So many dangers to be faced …

 

Clean drinking water – source of pride!

So, spare a thought for those inside

The hidden networks under streets

Who fix those cracks in pipes and leaks! 

(C)  Poet in the woods 2025

* i.e. rats, mosquitoes, slugs and other creepy-crawlies!

A Mango Moment

After busy days, a lull;

But taking time out isn’t dull

As mellow mango tea delights

Time to put the world to rights!

 

The helter-skelter many ride

Propels us forward, though we’ve tried

To call a halt, put down our phone …

Our spirit needs some time alone.

 

Technology sure has its place

But makes us live at break-neck pace;

How easy it is to explore*

The complex pattern that is war…

 

What happened to the “Good Old Days”

When Sunday Papers were the rage:

A weekly dip into the news

With different, sagely filtered, views?

 

It may seem we have lost the plot

As Fake News grabs us, like as not

Our prurient minds are overfed;

Is discernment, that rare gift, now dead?

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* also known as doomscrolling

On the Sixteenth Letter!

P for Politics and Prime Time

P for Poetry (Prose with rhyme);

P for Passion, Pride and Power

P for Puns that can Inspire!

 

Should we mind our Ps and Qs?

P for Pleasures that enthuse;

P for Piano-Playing soft

P for faux-Pas (something off).

 

I could Persist with list unending

Who Picks Up where this is trending?

How this Pert Poet likes to tease:

We’re humans and we all need Ps!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Hiccup at Zaventem?

It’s great to fly through autumn skies

With bird’s eye view of gold sunrise

But cyber criminals roam free

At Zaventem – catastrophe!

 

Queues for baggage stretch for miles

Grumbling overtakes the smiles

Cancelled flights across the board

Complaints of passengers – ignored …

 

More chaos reigns – but who’s at fault?

Is this a terrorist assault

Or just a programme “out to lunch”?

That it’s Big Brother, I’ve a hunch….

 

Reliance on the Internet

Is omnipresent; we forget

That once Real People were on hand

We could trust them – all well-planned …

 

Now social media spreads such news,

And promotes conflicting views;

This mystery remains intact

But that delays mount up – is fact!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

R.I.P. Robert Redford (1936-2025)

 Robert Redford fades from view

At 89 his bolt shot through;

With Barbra Streisand we concur

Sadness for “The Way We Were” …

 

With blonde good looks, this rising star

Imbued with talent, soon went far!

Revenge for death of friend: ‘The Sting’

Brought Box Office punters in!

 

"The world’s a stage" as Shakespeare said

And life’s a play by actors led;

Their “fret and strut” we so admire

But c’est la vie; as they retire…

 

Erased are more names from Life’s board

Yet, in our memories, they’ve scored;

They still delight on silver screen

As handsome as they’ve ever been!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

"The Way We Were" came out in October, 1973