Poet in the Woods: 2026

Monday, 19 January 2026

Shark Bytes on the News!

This heat evokes strong urge to swim:

What a temptation! We jump in

To cool off in the ocean brine;

Though this could be for the last time!

Today - horrific prime time news!

Saturday, 17 January 2026

Musing on the Dreamtime!

When things do not go their way,

Humans rebel; what can I say?

It all depends which cards are dealt:

Injustice fuels moods deeply felt…

Oz climate is top news this week

Both floods and bushfires havoc wreak;

Koalas now breed in profusion*

To cull them, though, a vain illusion…

Heatwaves mean fruit fails to last

While butter turns to oil too fast!

Milk curdles on the breakfast table;

Oz freezers work to keep food stable!

Some lucky friends have swimming pool

For others, showers keep them cool;

Thus, more in daytime than at night

To doze, perchance to dream, seems right!

* The concern is that they will deplete their natural habitat.

Thursday, 15 January 2026

Observations in Mid-January

Turbulence in many places,

Ethics are put through their paces;

Riots, bushfires, floods are clues

To what is making today’s news.

We learn of Nuuk* in frozen north …

Talk of invasion and so forth;

All this has a disquieting ring

What changes will this new year bring?

Great Ocean Road – torrential rains

Bushfires rage – huge livestock claims

Caravans get washed away!

New “Anti-Hate” laws cause dismay.

Mid-summer so all schools are closed

Kids’ antics keep Mums on their toes

Sunhats and suncream still a must…

Native gardens dry as dust!

This Southern world needs different norms:

Glaring sun then sudden storms;

It’s tough to know just what to wear

Bright colours though, are everywhere!

* The capital of Greenland which belongs to Denmark

Colourful crowds at the annual Tamworth Music Festival

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Welcome to Vietnam!

How is it Vietnam found my blog

With many hits*, not just a nod?

My readers escalate worldwide

This makes me feel all warm inside!

My site now reaches teenage years

Where it expresses hopes and fears

Recounting life in mocking tone

But NO A.I. – the words mine own!

Each day I lightly scan the news:

Odd happenings evoke my Muse.

Attracted to my comments wry

My blog tracks all those passing by!

My poems offer mental food;

No deep thoughts, just a teasing mood;

If curious, you call again;

As being serious is a pain!

Ennui is what we hate the most

So, let’s be upbeat, roller-coast;

A moment out-of-time I pen

Enjoy my words and please – stay zen!

* 659 hits in 24 hours!

Monday, 12 January 2026

Auntie is Challenged!

'Hands-on’ Auntie in this heat

Struggles to keep calm and sweet!

With interruptions on the go

Private time is a no-no!

Surveillance switch remains full on

Now that Mum and Dad are gone,

Enjoying each in their own way

Time off - a blessing they both say!

We’re on the spree, fun shopping trip;

Uneven pavement; small feet slip!

Responsibilities soon set

As gnarled tree roots present a threat!

Isabella holds my hand

While Thomas, proud - almost a man

Shows that he can take control

Of shopping trolley – thoughtful soul!

This addition to my repertoire

Is filled with joy and can inspire

A range of Aussie patterns new

Perhaps indeed, an ode or two!

My childhood memories are sieved …

Strange recalling lost youth lived;

But modern times mean A.I. tools

Fast forward needing on-line rules!

Clear discipline remains a must;

As adults we must earn kids’ trust:

Be firm, stay friendly, climb new ropes

So, they will learn to cope – one hopes!

Wednesday, 7 January 2026

Our Capricorn Lad turns Twelve!

In my Memory Bank I delve ...

Thomas hits the skids at twelve!

Still boyish in so many ways

Cup-stacking* is his latest craze.

A Scouts award with friends around

His maths potential – sharp and sound

Primary school now left behind

With a smart uniform to find!

An Aussie sport he too likes best

Is cricket and “The Ashes” test!

He cultivates his own world view;

How many hoops will he jump through?

Next term he’ll take the train to school

This independence he finds cool!

So, how should Auntie this date mark?

With a day trip to Adventure Park!

* a fast-paced sport where individuals or teams rapidly stack and unstack specially designed plastic cups into predetermined sequences (like pyramids of 3, 6, or 10 cups) as quickly as possible, requiring high levels of hand-eye coordination, focus, and fine motor skills.

Thomas - at 12!

Tuesday, 6 January 2026

Under Heatwave Conditions

South Australia - harsh and dry

Its arid landscape, too rain-shy

Is now beset by heatwave* fierce

Where people’s safety must come first.

Adelaide will bear the brunt

Of this unwelcome scorching front

The word is let the aircon flow

Close all curtains and lie low!

Though I love sun, this is extreme!

Relentless heat from solar beam

With no respite in night time hours

Heightens need for daily showers!

Social interaction - low

Internet the way to go

Forget unnecessary tasks;

Far niente though is a big ask!

Commuters still must brave the heat

And dogs “go walkies” in the street

But those, like me, with no work need

Can relax at home – and read…

*42°C forecast

Sunday, 4 January 2026

As Matters stand Today ...

Each day brings challenges and joys

No traffic here just birdsong noise;

The heat is such we stay indoors

Do crosswords, read or clean the floors!

It’s far too hot to jog outside

We turn the news on: a tough ride

For Venezuela’s President*

Transportation – with intent!

Protesters face Oz wrath of law

They’re not permitted anymore!

Meanwhile, we swelter under skies

Devoid of clouds, though floods surprise!

At the ‘Top End’ monster rains

Drown luckless livestock on the plains…

The Lucky Country? Land of Dreams?

Australia – nothing but extremes!

Sun protection is a must;

Outside big cities, drought and dust

Harsh climate under blazing sun;

Watch sharks attack and lizards run!

* Nicolas Maduro

Stranded livestock after monsoon rains ...

Saturday, 3 January 2026

At "The Cedars", Hans Heysen's House

The birds cannot be seen but heard,

On occasion leaves are stirred …

Red-ochre landscape, peerless sky

“The Cedars” through the trees, nearby.

Hans Heysen*, Hamburg-born, lived here

In his own artistic sphere;

On a rise - his studio

From 1912 – had perfect view!

His love of nature caught in paint

Bucolic scenes in charcoal quaint

His talent recognised when young

Four businessmen his praises sung

Sponsoring his time abroad

Where his reputation soared.

His exhibitions well attended

Financed this home, made it splendid!

Celebrities were entertained

Prime Ministers** and artists came

Dame Nellie Melba – lifelong friend;

His daughter Nora*** hours would spend

On portraits, since Hans’s love was trees

Art galleries - so proud of these;

Eight children and eight art awards

Heysen’s Hahndorf**** house affords!

* Hans Heysen (1877-1968)

** Australia's 12th P.M. (1894-1978)

*** Nora Heysen (1911-2003!

**** South Australia

Inside Hans Heysen's custom-built studio

Typical Hans Heysen scene

Thursday, 1 January 2026

Fireworks on Brighton Beach

These bustling crowds inspire my rhyme

And ‘Down Under’ fireworks lure big time!

On New Year’s Eve on Brighton’s shore

Kids queue for ice cream, ask for more!

Local police all out in force

(After “Bondi Beach” of course);

First challenge: find a place to park

Bright silver moon helps light streets dark.

Anticipation is the key;

Excited “oohs” and “aahs” ring free

As shooting stars and rocket trails

Burst forth above the jetty rails.

Silver, gold, red, emerald green

Explode in constant floodlit stream

Each magic moment soon eclipsed

By amazing pyrotechnic twist!

This balmy New Year’s Eve had charm

As crowds were well-behaved and calm

It was the kids’ 9.30 show…

How Oz welcomes midnight – I don’t know!

Interview