Day Out in De Panne!

De Panne via the Ostend train

Coastal forecast: wind, no rain;

Graffiti scrawled by railway track

Dingy houses, back-to-back…

 

At Midi station, eager horde

Climb on, with mobile phones absorbed;

Weeds dominate this railway line

But verdant tendrils hide the grime...

 

Farms, fields and barns soon past us run

Scenic pleasure in the sun

While cranes and factories display

The Flemish ethic, bold but grey.

 

Greenhouses, some with broken panes,

Compete with polytunnel lanes;

This flat landscape marked by spires

As in olden times, inspires!

 

A myriad bridges punctuate

The line, while wind farms now rotate;

A pity - as they spoil the view

But needs for energy accrue!

 

These robot giants herald Ghent

Where we change, time quickly spent;

Onwards to the coastal plain

A pause in Bruges: tourists de-train!

 

At last, as North Sea comes in sight

White seagulls greet us with delight;

Ostend in happy face today;

But the Kusttram soon whisks us away!

Through the dunes behold De Panne

An hour’s bumbling ride on tram

Where Leopold first stepped ashore

And Royals lived throughout World War.*

 

Strolling families on the digue …

Less touristy with time to breathe

We wine and dine in quiet seclusion

Away from stress and in collusion!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* 1914-18

King Leopold I Monument in De Panne (1958)

 

April takes Flight!

April, hesitant, still shivers

But nonetheless green shoots delivers,

Seedlings, dandelions and weeds

Fight for space with new beech leaves.

 

How I love this time of year

When mists soon lift and skies are clear

Hedgerows burgeon and bird cries

With insects of all kinds, surprise.

 

Just now I glimpsed a butterfly

On purple buddleia nearby;

Its life, though short, graceful and free

I pause, this miracle to see…

 

The morning news affords no joy

Just spoon-fed to us hoi polloi

Broadcasts by those in-the-know

Continue, but the going’s slow!

 

The off-switch beckons – I obey!

These nature walks re-boost my day;

The warm rays of the sun delight

And set my trembling Muse alight!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

An Appreciative Audience!

Near Vandervelde there’s a “do”

Stained glass windows – light shines through;

European singers take their places

Keen to be put through their paces!

 

Our brightly-garbed songbirds are poised

To intone Renaissance joys!

The conductor is inspired

Like Aristide Briand attired;

 

Classical Mozart to the fore

Then Mendelssohn – with German score;

“Ave Maria” - world première:

Soprano ignites atmosphere!

 

‘Rose’ and ‘Seal Lullaby’ impart

Warm reactions in our heart;

With Spanish pianist on the keys …

This repertoire was sure to please!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Church Notre-Dame de l'Assomption near to metro Vandervelde

**   The International Chorale of Brussels sang songs  "From Ancient to Modern"

Conductor Matthew Carver wore a red scarf over a black coat ...

Thoughts on the Strait and Narrow!

What’s life without a mobile phone?

Perhaps a friend when we’re alone?

While real life happens undetected

So, are we genuinely connected?

 

A brand-new generation thrives

On this gadget, as their lives

Are caught up in this modern dream

Colluding on this on-line screen…

 

But in the big, bad world outside

Occur events most want to hide;

To cope, pills come to their defence

As the stark stakes are intense.

 

Common sense is thrust aside

The voice of reason is denied,

As those who peer o’er parapet

Soon opprobrium collect…

 

Freedom of speech is curtailed

The world economy derailed;

In many ways, we’re all at sea …

I drone on, letting thoughts roam free … 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

In Memory of a Fellow Writer ...

It’s when those younger than you, die …

You’re stopped dead in your tracks, and cry:

“What happened? Surely this can’t be?”

For same-age friends – a tragedy …

 

Time does not stop for those in power …

Or those whose I.Q. can inspire,

Or those well-known or run-of-mill;

The ticking clock is never still …

 

The Fates who snip our lifelong thread

Stand poised with scissors, straight ahead

We cannot see them - but beware

We intimate their presence near …

 

Immortality’s the creed of youth

And by those long-in-the-tooth;

We humans brush such thoughts aside

As life, we feel, is a long ride!

 

This week a much-loved, childhood friend

Whom we hoped the Fates would tend,

Slipped from our gaze despite our prayers

Beset no more by mortal cares…

 

Memories into focus come …

Why did he have to be The One?

He meant the world to near and dear;

How sad his absence leaves us here …

 

Admired, intelligent and smart

Since way back when he’s been a part

Of the creative spark we shared;

I hope he knows how much we cared … 

Poet in the woods 2026

For B.M.

Stumped by a Tree?

In the car park of Calypso* pool

Which I walk though as a rule

A sight surreal caught my eye:

“But this is not a tree!” ** quoth I!

 

Its branches clambered on red brick

Reminiscent of Magritte …

But painted white, not in 3D

A winter emblem – quite leaf-free…

 

The early rush hour slowly passed;

Parents dropped off school kids fast;

Their voices had a lively ring

All eager for the chance to swim!

 

In lilac bushes down the street

The sound of chattering is sweet;

But is this bold artwork observed?

Its branches, though broad, tempt no bird!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* (In Boitsfort) For the curious: Calypso ('she who conceals') was a nymph who lived on the island of Ogygia, where, according to Homer's Odyssey, she detained Odysseus for seven years against his will.

** To paraphrase René Magritte: "This is not a pipe!"

Coming Alive in the Woods!

Fun walk in Boitsfort to unwind;

For once the sun is warm and kind

The sky deep blue, wreathed in light cloud

And chirruping of birds quite loud!

 

The joy of walking far from cars!

Eternal nettles frame the paths

Where twisty tree roots lie in wait

To trip up those with nervous gait.

 

A crested grebe its nest displays

While two ducks preen in springtime haze

On the “Enfants Noyés” lake

Which suggests dramatic fate…

 

A flash - as furtive squirrel passes!

Gold beetle spotted by long grasses

Bright swathes of bluebells on the rise …

Long picnic tables – a surprise!

The local medics* planned this walk

Where locals congregate and talk;

Where moss adorns old scattered logs

Still hidden out of sight – small frogs!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Walk organised by the Maison Médicale de Forêt de Soignes

Avenue Léopold Wiener 123, 1170 Brussels

The magical Etang des Enfants Noyés - Boitsfort

By the picnic table ...

The Potency of Yellow!

Is yellow April’s vibrant theme?

Bold dandelions poke through spring green

Primrose and pansies grace our sills;

See Brussels iris, daffodils!

 

Our morning egg has golden heart

Reminding us of a new start

Too late to be an Easter chick …

We spread our toast with butter thick.

 

Mists evaporate in sun

Whose potent orb bathes everyone

In a glow on work-day ride;

Nature, for once, on our side!

 

Hence, yellow is my theme today

Nature’s optimistic way

To give us energy and light;

It fuels my muse and keeps it bright! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Yellow Irises - the symbol of Brussels

On Passing on ...

The Media promotes souls who’ve died 

Their ‘famous’ lives neatly described;

Sportsmen, or stars on TV

 Much missed, but quite unknown to me …

 

Celebrities in their own sphere

Mourned by the Press keen to be there

But, on the world stage, have they stood?

Were they known for doing good?

 

What legacy is left behind?

‘Momentous’ lives, but were they kind?

Did they invent something new?

In a word, what DID they do?

 

Whether lives be long or short,

Long-lasting fame cannot be bought;

Revived perhaps on old film reel;

But of them, how much was real?

 

We’re all just candles on display:

A puff of wind blows us away;

It’s what we do while we are here;

When we pass over, who will care? 

(c) Poet in the woods (2026)

The End of the Dream?

“Fly me to the moon!” has taken on new meaning

And “being on the Far Side” is on TV screening.

How fascinating this all is, with raging wars below

As Apollo 13’s sequel makes media channels flow!

 

Since Artemis 2 escapes our much-loved Planet Blue

The Powers-that-Be, down here on earth, threaten life anew…

Who remembers Star Wars, which captured thoughts and views?

Is Target Moon a side show or distraction in the news?

 

“All men are merely players”, as William Shakespeare said

A theme still very valid, though he’s a long time dead

The Moon will lose its magic when it’s thoroughly explored;

For these astronauts it’s tragic, as their dreams go overboard!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

View of Earth from Outer Space

 

Easter Monday - on Awakening ...

I rise from slumber, the sun shines

It’s after eight, but no one minds;

On Easter Monday no bells chime,

Another whole day to call mine!

 

We long for peace but wars pervade …

More young souls find early grave;

In dire straits indeed (no pun);

The price of gas shocks everyone!

 

Yet, Easter means a well-earned break

 Watch sales of choc eggs escalate!

Here, Nature’s coat has verdant sheen;

For those well-heeled – a change of scene…

 

In woodlands nearby, bursts of song

Brave birds - for winter has been long;

They herald brighter, hope-filled days;

Their upbeat tempo my soul sways …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Not to be Sniffed At!

Another blank page glares at me!

Out in warm sun I’d like to be

Admiring Wordsworth's daffodils …

But I have ‘flu; am taking pills!

 

A honking cough, my lights sink low

I wrap up warm and take life slow

Obliged to cancel rendezvous

As sharing bugs ain’t what I do!

 

My sense of taste and smell - denied!

The dreaded ‘lurgy’ takes a ride

And snaffles all my ‘joie de vivre’;

Hence, paper hankies fill my sleeve!

 

So much for roast lamb feast with friend;

All things considered, I should spend

This Easter Day in bed – alone

With no companion but my phone!

 

These bugs are a real scourge, I’m told;

 Should I blame the constant cold

Which still pervades, although it’s Spring?

This Easter has a hollow ring …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

A Pre-Easter Message!

Damn sniffles and a sudden sneeze

Caught perhaps from icy breeze

Which holds us firmly in its grasp;

But surely, Spring has come at last?

 

Zingy ginger in my tea

 And lemon for vitamin C!

A second cardigan is wise

To warm me under sullen skies!

 

I need a scarf when I go out

A hassle I could do without;

This change of hour and lack of sleep

Combine to make my Muse less sweet!

 

But Easter looms - my wishes go

To all ‘out there’ who read my flow

Of thoughts, reflections, points of view…

It cheers me up to write for you!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Tram Access to the Airport?

Will Brussels build tram track at last

To take us to the airport* fast?

Such projects sound well-oiled, secure

Linguistic borders – be aware!

 

Here, politics can be a trial

I know, as I’ve been here awhile!

But public transport absorbs stress

As we can read, scroll down or rest!

 

More parking spaces disappear;

With petrol at the pumps so dear

There are those who in a fret

Decide to use their “trottinette”!

 

For safety reasons – a new law

Helmets must be worn by all!

More legislation and more fuss …

Thank goodness Boitsfort has its bus**!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

** STIB bus 17

* At Zaventem Airport

At the Imagination Club

We’re all so busy and so stressed;

Which boring task should we do next?

Thank goodness I work “à la carte”

With time off – to enjoy the park!

 

A clump of bluebells bring delight

I pass them on my way tonight

They cluster, roadside, by a tree:

A spot of colour – just for me!

This workshop* helps all types share views;

Smart thoughts “outside the box” enthuse

I listen carefully and admire

Offbeat reactions which inspire!

 

Each person names his own balloon

Then punches it across the room!

Next, round a “human tree” we form

A story and new links are born.

 

We pair with someone we don’t know

In silence, just armed with “play doh”

To imagine and create

A joint venture; it was great!

 

Imagination – to the fore!

Such fun to meet, greet and explore

The arcane workings of our minds;

Deep contemplation often binds!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Entitled " Body, Movement and Silence"

The creative mauve flower!

Organised by Andy and Jeffrey

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...