Our Sunny Parade!

 For once, the ‘drache'* fails to appear,

Palace parade with skies quite clear,

Red carpet treatment for our royals;

With loud applause for fireman toils!

 

I watch the Big Event on screen;

Smart uniforms are to be seen

Bold horse parade before the stand

With TV cameras carefully manned!

 

Today, this disparate land is one;

We’re ALL Belgians in bright sun!

Tricolour flags flap on tall poles

United up-front with brave goals!

 

Just on this one day in the year?

Perhaps rose-tinted specs I wear …

No matter - I am proud to be

Multi-cultural – and free!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* La drache - Belgian slang for traditional thunderstorm on 21st July

Amazing (Mary Emily) Grace!

A poet who can’t find the words?

This is the weird thought that occurs

As when one’s Mum turns 1-0-3

What can I say, folks, but “Praise be”!

 

Superlatives don’t fit the bill;

In fragile health right now but still

My special Mum who held my hand

And kept me close till I could stand,

 

Who taught me what was wrong and right

Who picked me up and held me tight

When I fell and bruised a knee

Or lost a tooth on Christmas Eve…

 

Sharp memories which I hold dear;

Despite these passing years - quite clear…

This bond is precious and I feel

We are blessed with star-struck deal!

  

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

born 20th July, 1923

A Pavement Cameo

My pavement, often grey and damp,

Converted to wild-flowered ramp!

Here tendrils creep along the wall

And tiny petals bloom and fall.

 

Dandelion and saxifrage

With robust nettles, meet my gaze;

Straggly shepherd’s purse delights

While feisty daisy claims its rights…

 

Well-trodden pathway to the wood

Where in this heatwave, neighbours would

Find cool leafy glade to roam …

All this, a stone’s throw from my home! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Straggly Shepherd's Purse

Monkey Business in Gibraltar!

Great Britain on the Rocks again!

The frontier opens wide to Spain*

A kick-back from the BREXIT deal:

Gibraltar joins E.U. for real!

 

Free flow of workers, (Brit food trade?);

How politics can be waylaid!

A double plus for Spain this week;

Their football skills the French team beat!**

 

That life’s a game has oft been said

But changing sides has history led

As wars and conflicts seek new goals

Changed perpectives, focused roles…

 

But will the Monkeys leave the Rock?

This metaphor is now red hot!

Trans-border crossings in fast lane …

Do I talk in riddles once again?

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

The legendary Barbary macaques are Europe's only free-roaming wild monkeys. According to a famous myth, as long as the monkeys remain on the Rock, Gibraltar will stay under British rule. If they ever disappear, the British will leave. 

* on 15th July, 2026

** Spain beat France in World Cup semi-finals on 14th July, 2026

 

Doormat Delight!

How to keep in touch when far apart?

My two cute loves who warm my heart

Live, as they say, a world away

When summer’s here, their skies are grey…

 

There’s Internet and Facebook pages

But we haven’t talked for ages …

So, Auntie tries to bridge the gap

By sending postcards to doormat!

 

A tad old-fashioned, but this brings

Happiness to share such things;

My day trip to the Belgian coast

Provides marine views which I post!

 

Long walks on Aussie beach are cool

But there are no ships as a rule

So, Isabella holds my hand

While Thomas digs toes in the sand!

 

Snail mail of course will take its time

But this personal touch is mine;

When some scenic mail arrives

It comes, I hope, as fun surprise!

 

Both now read and relish learning;

And nothing beats a good page-turning!

And so, I strive with pen and ink

To forge with them my Belgian link!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Scenes of Nieuwpoort

 

Never a Dull Lull!

A lull in sporting news today!

Lawn tennis finals – yesterday;

Huge crowds love to watch who wins -

Adieu strawberries! Adieu Pims!

 

There's more excitement for news reels:

The Tour de France stops spinning wheels

Time to reflect at slower pace

Before the next stage of the race!

 

We leave the best till last, of course;

Without Red Devils, Swiss and Norse …

As World Cup contenders still on side

Promise a nail-biting ride!

 

Now, France and Spain will fight it out;

Will England Argentina rout?

As with all sport, the game’s the thing;

Which anthem will the winners sing?

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

To Bordeaux by Bicycle!

La Tour de France - quelle tour de force!

Now held every year, of course

Exerts strong pressures few can match;

Outcome predictions can be rash!

 

Created in 1903

The sport is tough - believe you me!

Grim test of stamina and grace

Whose ‘maillot jaune’ claims pride of place!

 

The cyclists speed towards Bordeaux*

Once in English hands, you know,

When the Black Prince held the reins;

Now known for wine and rolling plains…

 

His son, ill-fated Richard II

Is famed for being born here too;

So, this city, now UNESCO site,

Still haunts us with medieval might!

 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* 7th étape - 175 km

Held between July 4th - 26th, 2026

For Marco and Jacky!

July exudes a burning glow

Heat 'off the charts' means life is slow

I dine in style with a dear friend;

Quaff Adam's Ale - survival trend!

Umbrella-ed patio offers shade

But oven-heat leaves blondes dismayed;

Meanwhile, two dogs for whom she cares

Laze inside with soulful stares!

 

Mind you, this twosome at my feet

Is aroused when thrown a treat!

With both her neighbours far away,

My friend walks them every day!

 

In normal chill and summer storm

Their furry haloes keep them warm.

But lacking natural ‘aircon’ flow,

Today, their fur coats are ‘de trop’!

 

Our drowsiness – brought on by wine?

Quick - ice cream parfait just-in-time!

With World Cup matches played at night,

Wimbledon on screen seems right!

 

Terrier Marco naps on rug;

While jealous Jacky claims a hug;

Peace, perfect peace – no hectic rush

Dog Days enjoyed by four of us!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Photo of Jacky and Marco c/o Suzanne!

A Devilishly Good Game!

OK, I get it - the world’s gaze,

Focused through this summer haze,

Was firmly fixed upon ‘The Game’;

Red Devils put U.S. to shame;

Loss of sleep? Cheap price to pay!

How could it end another way?

The Red Card* fiasco stoked the fire ...

Predicted consequences – dire!

 

‘Result’ cartoons now flood the Net;

Black humour reigns as we expect!

Yes, once again, ‘The Mouse has roared’**;

As Belgium four strong goals has scored!

Black-yellow-red flags are flown

As Belgium comes into its own;

What lies ahead we cannot know

But meanwhile, we bathe in pink glow!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Red card given to US footballer Folarin Balogun

** 1959 British satirical comedy film on the achievements of the underdog

2026 World Cup match in Seattle, USA:  Belgium: 4 US: 1

Dust Bunnies Beware!

Summer often brings a lull;

There is now time enough to cull

Items we no longer use:

Old pans, worn out clothes and shoes.

 

But let’s not of ‘dust bunnies’ speak!

Sun’s rays highlight where they creep

At back of shelves, on skirting board

And other places untoward …

 

“Too hot!”, I hear you cry out loud:

Cleaning shouldn’t be allowed;

Exploring Nature in the sun

Beats getting boring housework done!

 

The trouble, Gentle Reader, is

That clutter puts us in a tizz;

Too much “stuff” our souls annoy;

Unwanted burdens kill our joy…

 

We roll our sleeves up in this heat

Determined still to make lives “neat”;

While granted that it isn’t fun,

What happiness when all is done!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

1549 Lives Again!

Charles the Fifth and his proud lad

Admire the city’s wealth and might;

As with flags and fanfare, brightly clad

Renaissance splendour comes to life!

 .

The year was 1549

Charles, prematurely aged, came here

To show young Philip, next in line,

The mighty Empire he would steer!

 

This re-enactment in Grand’Place

In full regalia, each July

Draws locals and tourists en masse

To briefly capture times gone by…

 

This Ommegang, this rich parade,

Expresses one man’s power - unique

Built on a dynasty and trade …

Where still today, great nations meet!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

 

Manneken-Pis In Charles V Hunting Costume

R.I.P. Penelope Keith (1940-2026)

For gold-standard light relief

Penelope Anne Constance Keith

Captured hearts and minds on stage

With laughter spilling on each page.

 

Think accent from Home Counties pool

That plummy voice – so convent school

Staccato tones – cut with a knife

What comic timing – art as life!

 

Who else but “To The Manor Born”

Could all others out-perform?

“The Good Life” – Gerry by her side …

In thrall she held us – nationwide.

 

This art of repartee is rare

How we loved her style, her flair …

Alas, she’s taken her last bow

So, we must soldier on somehow ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

She died on 29th June, 2026 aged 86 from cancer.

The Art of Intrigue

To be ‘on song’, to catch one’s drift

Are concepts poets use with thrift;

Ideas conveyed which ‘hit the spot’

Evoke reactions, ‘stir the pot’…

 

In up to twenty lines, the theme

Must be à propos and clean,

Pertinent and to the point

So, noses aren’t knocked out of joint!

 

Hence, method in my madness rules

I observe life, watch top news reels

And try to capture in my net

A nugget which makes you connect!

 

And shucks, I’m flattered and amazed

How many of you* find my page;

Do I raise a smile or two

Or make you think? I hope I do!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* well over a million to date!

All Aglow!

All systems firmly fixed at slow

My “get-up-and-go” lies low

As I consider this day’s chores:

Must I venture out of doors?

 

And how is it with you ‘out there’?

My well-watered flowers stare

Skywards in a state of bliss;

The sun, for humans, hit or miss…

 

Farm animals need constant care;

Heavy toil makes tempers flare;

At night - sans aircon - hard to sleep;

Engagements cancelled all this week ...

 

Is this the shape of things to come?

Has Dante’s feared inferno come

To punish us for wicked ways?

The shock is violent – we're amazed!

 

‘To keep one’s cool’, not just a phrase

 ‘Hot-headed’ fits the bill these days!

Though storms are forecast end-of-week

This heat dome makes us ‘glow’ a treat!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

As the old adage has it:  Horses sweat, men perspire and ladies glow.

Why is Brussels missing from this map?

A Few Hot Thoughts!

Mad heat melts our best intentions

Cools our ardour, heightens tensions

Putting normal life on hold;

Death in forbidden pool is told!

 

On private land, abandoned quarry*:

Now tempting pool, lad makes a foray

Away from prying eyes to dive;

Failing sadly to survive…

 

Trains without aircon do not run,

TEC** buses stay home in hot sun,

Schools stop all lessons at midday

Top athletes told they cannot play…

 

This heat, so longed for, comes at last

But even lizards cannot bask

In temperatures beyond the norm;

This is the full extent of “warm”!

 

A wave of lethargy ensues;

Sporting fixtures on the news

Speak of cancellations rare;

We have to take stock and beware…

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* at Mont-sur-Marchienne (Charleroi)

** Wallonia's bus service

BREXIT - Wrecks It?

10 years have flown by – a decade!

Since Britain by strong hype was swayed

To ignore great benefits accrued

Since joining E.U.’s happy brood!

 

Long queues and barricades at ports;

In came Red Tape: high-cost imports

Of European food and wines;

Now it seems that Britain pines

 

For golden time of free exchange …

Which politics fails to arrange!

So, “Splendid Isolation” rules

Though ardour for this status cools…

 

On the other side of this divide

We, who could not vote, decried:

“This referendum is misplaced”!

Time shows it had egg on its face!

 

Proud Island Nation, still at sea

As always, feels it has to be

At odds with Europe – so it’s plain

Trading Wars thrive here again!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Referendum held in June 2016

Maison Saint Cyr - Square Ambiorix

In Dutch we learned of Strauven’s* gem

For Leonard Saint Cyr, way back when

Art Nouveau reached its heady peak

Its green wrought ironwork – unique!

 

Four metres wide, five stories high

Its slender columns, fragile, fly

To shoulder a rose window vast;

Raspberry brickwork grips it fast.

 

Up ornate staircase painted bright

To top floor bathed in coloured light

Front salon: Chinese-style displays;

Its picture window draws our gaze!

 

Engravings, nesting tables, art

Restored wood panelling is dark

Fine marquetry on wooden floor

While glass tiles hint at cellar store.

 

From upstairs window briefly spied

Walled-garden, miniscule, outside

But Inside mirrors create space;

This bijou residence has taste!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Gustave Strauven architect 1903

A Peace of Luck?

Hope at Versailles blooms again;

He signed for peace with thick felt pen;

Europa held her breath and sighed ...

A temporary truce is tried.

 

Meanwhile, a fresh new wave of drones

Brings destruction of more homes

Will ships, once blocked, now make their way

Through the troubled Strait today?

 

It matters how you bait your hook;

The stakes are high, the game’s afoot*;

All try to keep their powder dry

But sadly, vagrant sparks may fly …

 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* from Shakespeare's Henry V.

Beleaguered Brussels?

What gives in this world we know:

In Hormuz Strait – will traffic flow

Allowing petrol costs to slow?

Less tax by stealth?

Warm weather brings the punters out

Brussels: place-to-be – no doubt

But football comes with lager lout…

Bars – rake in wealth!

 

Scaffolding now scars the streets:

Fibre-optic cables sneak

On roads, dug up and then made neat

From dawn to dark;

The gasmen excavate long trench;

Put up a barricade (in French!)

Frustrated drivers their fists clench:

Gone - place to park!

 

Far be it from me to complain

When traffic cones pop up again

As in Brussels, city under strain

Roadworks are go!

Tram tracks need to be replaced;

Bins overflow; and it’s a race

To keep the city a clean place

And staunch the flow.

 

Great tourist Mecca in the sun!

A walk on cobbled streets is fun

No wonder foreign tourists come

To taste our wares!

But what of He who pees all day?*

If he could speak, what would he say

As chaos reigns, and anyway

 Who really cares?

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Manneken-Pis in the Rue de l'Etuve, Brussels

 

R.I.P. David Hockney (1937-2026)

I caught the tail end of the news …

An endearing Brit icon we lose;

This leader of the Pop Art scene

Genius painter who has been

 

Multi-skilled in stage design

With photos and prints drawn on line

Dabbling in realms of collage,

Has left a legacy writ large!

 

Think of that sun-blessed swimming pool

His colour palette? Lord of cool!

Or trees in blossom – northern France;

He sure gave portraiture a chance!

 

Widely travelled, art school don

A range of different hats put on;

By nature in all forms inspired,

His exhibitions* much admired!

 

My tribute to this Bradford lad

David Hockney, whose art had

A universal, warm appeal:

Stark, emblematic and surreal!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* also in Brussels

Note: offered a knighthood but declined.

He died in London on June 11th, 2026, aged 88

Portrait of Ozzie Clark