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

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