With Spring in my Step!

It’s Monday – a new week begins;

I do the laundry, empty bins

Gaze at the sky, pale shade of grey

And ponder on my tasks today.

 

While most of you are pressed for time,

And in crowded buses climb,

I watch the shadows now give way

To shafts of sunlight, which now play

 

Upon my terrace wall outside;

On growing buds, small insects hide.

The Great Awakening has begun

Winter’s cold embrace – undone!

 

Whatever happens, Nature thrives:

Its positive effect survives

So, once again, I don warm shoes

And walk, to chase away the blues!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

On the Tenth Anniversary

In a reflective mood today;

My terrace chairs, once put away,

Both clean and shiny, now await

My presence where I meditate.

 

Have you heard how sweet birds sing?

And daffodils form golden ring

Around trees in bright-green attired?

My Muse wakes up, once more inspired!

 

So many died ten years ago

In airport and Maelbeek metro

While others, who survived, still bear

Injuries requiring care…

 

What were YOU doing on that day*

When lives were shattered, torn away

From loved ones, as the die was cast

By ideologies held fast?

 

All innocent, all unprepared

So sudden, no time to be scared

A slice of life nipped in the bud

Memories encased in blood …

 

Was this Karma? Was this Fate?

We try to make sense and debate

The whys and wherefores of such acts;

Brave faces try to hide the cracks …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Terrorist attacks in Brussels on 22nd March, 2016

A Cheeky Conjecture!

Though Nature often floats my muse

And buoys me up (unlike the News!),

It seems we all must be aware

Of what is going on “out there”.

 

We need tranquillity and peace

Which never has, alas, long lease

As human folly never dies

But oft invades us in disguise!

 

“Doom scrolling” is the buzzword new

Describing what we all go through

As daily horrors rock our boat

And cause a tightening of the throat…

 

Keen journalists are put to task:

How to check their sources fast?

What are we supposed to do

To ascertain what’s fake, what’s true?

 

Car radios can be put on mute;

News bulletins on radios suit

Those who now forego T.V.

Newsprint? How life used to be!

 

Has it always been this way?

World events we cannot sway

But, we CAN choose what we read …

So, poetry fulfils a need!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

La Première - the Belgian French language radio station

De Profundis Clamavi

Though news gets worse and worse each day

Grave matters can’t be swept away;

Moreover, outside looks like rain

Which tries to clean my window pane…

 

Geopolitics be damned!

World trading nations take a stand

Each wanting larger slice of pie;

Meanwhile, we struggle to get by…

 

This gracious world is ours to share

But altruistic thoughts are rare

As precious metals, oil and grain

Are claimed by those on gravy train!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Title taken from Psalm 130...

A Meditative Walk

A hailstorm in mid-afternoon?*

So, our spring has come too soon

Battering sweet roadside flowers

Brought low, alas, by drastic showers!

 

Of course, we know life ‘springs’ surprises

And although the tree sap rises

Promising leaf growth anew,

We still have puddles to wade through!

 

Angst flies the flag in desert states;

Who rules the roost and now dictates?

Drones, once bees, now pose a threat

Ships stand still in bottleneck…

 

Will hand of Tarot cards reveal

The future in some much-sought deal?

The daily news makes us distraught:

For peace of mind – I take a walk!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* on 14th March, 2026

A New Viewpoint!

Life keeps us guessing; we can plan

But Nature plays “catch as catch can”;

Quite suddenly, we are derailed

Damned gremlins have our health assailed!

 

For a while my sight has blurred

I cannot sew, which is absurd

As needle threading is now hard

And reading challenges this Bard.

 

Letters shrink on mobile phone!

I learn that I am not alone

When I read my emails on the sly

With magnifying glass nearby!

 

Diagnosis – cataract!

If I want my good sight back

I need an op and brand-new lens;

To guide me I have two kind friends.

 

With modern techniques, there’s no pain

But being one-eyed is a strain;

Thank God I live in modern times

And can see to write my rhymes!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Tram Journey Thoughts

Ear-plugged passengers delight

In chatting – with no friend in sight;

Sometimes, in a tongue unknown

Completely hid from view, their phone!

 

In just a few years, heightened tension

Fires this A.I.-fuelled invention;

Influencers come on stream

Bewitching eyes on mini-screen!

 

Seductive clickbait steals our lives

Social media new trends drives!

Tough safety laws must be enacted

As bikers on phones are distracted…

 

Who sees the darling buds of spring

Outside the windows?* We look in

Ever glancing at our phone;

This ‘fear of missing out’ has grown!

 

Hand-held computer – way to go?

Good servant, yes, but master? No!

Deep-down, admit it, we’ve lost much

The warmth of friends, the human touch …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Composed when on the 44 tram to Tervuren ...

On Learning Sad News

We’re pulled up short when sad news comes;

The sand, which through the hour-glass runs

For each of us, now gives us pause

As we’re bound by Nature’s laws …

 

Infinity, a concept strong

Where we all feel we belong,

In time is shattered,  and we see

It hides a harsh reality.

 

We cling to our beliefs, our friends

We fool ourselves; so much depends

On factors out of our control

For each of us plays finite role.

 

It’s been like this since life began;

Credulity, thy name is Man!

But Hope - Pandora’s gift - sustains

So, we see sunshine, despite rains …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

 

The Sands of Time

Just four days in and desert lands

Upset so many travel plans

The troubled skies light up at night

But not by any long-haul flight…

 

Hordes of passengers are stranded

Woe to those who have just landed!

Caught helpless, wondering what to do

World politics is led – by who?

 

The Strait of Hormuz shuts the door

Soon prices at the pumps will soar …

With the power vacuum now created

Peace talks seem fragile and inflated…

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

The Year of the Fire-Horse!

Tumultuous this Chinese year:

The feisty Fire-Horse struts here!

Upsets, upheavals, goalposts missed,

All untoward, we’re crisis-kissed!

 

Dire news from friends I read

Risks are coming home to breed!

Disasters clothed in myriad forms,

Routines beset by sudden storms…

 

Fire, death and illness fight for space …

The Wheel of Fortune picks up pace!

Thank goodness we can count on friends

Whose moral comfort never ends…

 

Money can’t solve every plight

Although of course when cash is tight

Despair comes knocking at our door

And stress can shake us to the core…

 

This Fire-Horse year, right on cue,

Runs roughshod; we must plan anew

As certainties are turned to dust …

But fight on to survive – we must!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Dates: February 17th, 2026 - to February7th, 2927

19 Degrees in February!

Not all news is “also read”

Behold - hot temperatures in Feb!

The weathermen in Uccle sigh

Climate change, methinks, is nigh!

 

Pristine snow scenes, captured fast

By Jan’s photographer, will last.

But soon the clouds blocked out the blue

And dripping brollies furled anew!

 

Now February nears its end;

On warmer days we humans spend

Bird-trilled moments in bright sun

Where kerbs with daffs are overrun!

 

A host of crocuses I spy

Proof that the council has passed by …

Sweet Nature flirts in new attire

And doubtless, poets will inspire!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

  

On Chilling Out!

Our 'To-Do' list grows and grows ...

We’re busy, often in the throes

Of vital action or hard task;

“What must I do next?” you ask.

 

Drat, once again we put aside

An indulgence, let it slide …

Then, after urgent jobs get done

Tiredness stops us having fun!

 

There’s so much we’d like to do

As our friends need attention too,

But often, sadly, we’re time-poor

Struggling to complete each chore!

 

We never seem to find the time

To chill, as we’re “hooked” on line;

I muse – is modern stress a phase?

Perhaps we should re-think our days!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

The Value of Keeping in Touch

When you think of friends, you make that call

It’s been a while, so let’s not stall!

The friend in question hears your voice,

Flattered that you made this choice!

 

A bit of chit-chat, time goes by

Connections mean so much; you sigh

You may recall good times you’ve had

Though sometimes, what you learn is sad …

 

That’s why we nurture our dear friends

As every moment that one spends

With people who enhance our lives

Is precious, so friendship survives!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

What's in a Date?

Milan, Cortina: Winter Games

Its snowy ambiance proclaims

Bronze medal* for the Belgian Team

A modest effort, it would seem …

 

Norway, meanwhile tops the polls;

Last TV coverage extols

Great prowess, skill and expertise:

They have the edge in times like these!

 

Observe elsewhere - the heat is on

It’s four years to the day, upon

Which, other matters topped the news;

I say no more but just leave clues …

 

Once more, a Sunday meditation:

Penned lightly without hesitation

Recalling what one cannot voice

In terms of dates – a double choice …

(C) Poet in the woods

Winter Olympic Games 5-22 February,  2026

* For short-track speed skating

Arid Adelaide

This ‘otherworldliness’ disturbs;

Beyond leaf-littered, wide suburbs

I see, encroaching on parched plains,

New building projects crowned with cranes.

 

Huge earthworks, fencing, “Keep out!” signs

For brand-new homes in dusty lines;

This barren landscape lacks a heart

The would-be roads mapped out, look stark.

 

Where entry needs no invitation

Key agenda issue: immigration;

This “Lucky Country” feels the strain

Hence the “Aussies do it tough” refrain.

 

For a visitor who loves the sun

Oz scenery is next to none

A privilege enjoyed by few:

Low rainfall is a tough call too!

 

For locals, this heat is a curse

Rates and tax hikes hit the purse;

Each year the risk of fire is high

As nowhere else is it so dry! 

(C) Poet in the woods 2026

If All goes up in Smoke ...

At times we need to pause awhile

Turn off that ever-glowing dial

Of our Smart phone, banish stress,

Consider living with much less …

 

Who wants more gadgets to procure?

Aggressive adverts are no lure;

Do I really need to see

Alerts from Facebook? Leave me be!

 

I take a walk, admire the trees;

Such precious moments - I need these

To restore the peace I lack,

And put my troubled soul on track.

 

Is this an age thing? I confess

In Nature I find happiness;

Plus - joy in sharing with a friend

A good book - will never end!

 

In bushfires you can lose it all

But helped by neighbours, you walk tall;

What matters, when you boil it down

Are friends, not shopping trips in town!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Politics - Across the Board!

Is Politics akin to Chess?

Viz: clever moves that may attest

An agenda hidden in plain view;

From Pawn to King is nothing new!

 

Two steps forward, then a slide

In which direction will they ride?

Is all Black or White? I fear

Shades of grey are ever near.

 

Anticipating who goes where

Though each starts in allotted square;

Yet,  unexpected moves may bring

A seismic shift – not a bad thing!

 

Jostling ‘pawns’ form options new

Opposing players may win through

With actions dubious, smart, effete …

Each Nation’s ‘chessboard’ is unique!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

At the River Sturt Linear Park

A dear friend leads me down a glade;

The sun’s rays burn, we seek some shade

By sleepy creek bestrewn with rocks

Whose background murmur never stops…

 

New South Oz Park by River Sturt

Where birds in muted colours lurk

Splashing in this shallow stream;

By palm fronds framing all in green!

 

On water’s edge, homes reached by steps;

Below, crisp leaf debris collects;

These lofty eucalypts impose

In myriad forms, majestic shows!

 

Bridges, boardwalks – splendid views

Roofed resting spots to sit and muse …

On our way we came upon

Welsh immigrants with dog called Ffion!

 

A moment shared in soulful peace

Happiness on a short lease!

This, the River Sturt's new Park*

Has found a place deep in my heart!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Located in Mitcham, it opened in 1993.

Isabella's Hat-Trick!

All unbeknownst, my hat is stolen!

Once again, the camera’s rollin’

As Isabella plans her pose;

Picture-perfect; she just knows!

 

Mummy’s taste in clothes is sweet

Today, the blue dress looks a treat

So Auntie simply can’t resist

Her niece’s smile – warm and sun-kissed!

 

It reminds me of time long ago

When the pace of life was slow

 And “Miss Pear’s” Soap ads* caught our eye

Skin care luxury to try!

 

We marvel at our feisty Miss

Who puts on fashion a new twist;

My old, worn sunhat looks brand-new

Thanks, of course, to you-know-who!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* These ads were popular from 1958 ...

 

In Adelaide's Botanic Gardens

A simple tram ride takes you there;

North Terrace high rise buildings glare

Their window panes caught in sun’s rays

Admission free – I am amazed!

 

Beyond its entrance, all is calm;

A couple walk by, arm-in-arm;

I spot two ladies* brightly clad

A lawyer and a teacher, glad

 

To pass the time of day with me;

Birds chatter in a nearby tree;

The white pavilion on a rise

A kind of folly in disguise…

 

Vast palm trees wave in lush profusion

A duck-filled lake in quiet seclusion

Shady paths, discrete, edged neat

What an enchanting place to meet!

 

Artworks are sometimes here displayed;

None seen this visit, I’m afraid!

Instead, we met and dined in style

Putting life on hold awhile …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* For Gay and Jo

The Palm House is an exquisite, painstakingly restored Victorian glasshouse imported from Bremen, Germany in 1875.  The gardens were inaugurated in 1855.

Brighton Jetty Sculptures

The Tour Down Under fills sports news;

Clad in Lycra, scenic views

As peddle-pushers pit their skills

Up Adelaide’s amazing hills.

 

Slight breezes cool – it’s hot outdoors

At Mount Lofty, cyclists pause

One biker “Eddy Merckx” displays:

A touch of Belgium in heat haze!

 

Meanwhile, amazing artworks stare

On Brighton’s sandy thoroughfare:

Bold dolphin “Snowflake” made me start;

Two yellow blooms – surrealist art?

 

One feature though, amused me most

Called “feathered cyclists” at this coast:

Gull, Puffin and a Penguin ride

Streamlined, flat out, side by side! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

"Snowflake" the Dolphin - crafted out of scrap metal by Axel Klem

"Sunshine bloom"- crafted by Chris Murphy

Made of steel and cardboard by Tom Buckland,  these wacky and whimsical "feathered cyclists" share humour, ecology, and the joy of cycling at Brighton, South Australia.