tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40413598545466182232024-03-29T00:36:59.223-07:00Poet in the WoodsPoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.comBlogger2022125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-1102299757914100542024-03-28T22:59:00.000-07:002024-03-28T22:59:10.383-07:00Halles de Schaerbeek<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This culture hub, once market hall</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Built to cope with urban sprawl<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Appeared in 1865<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In a Schaerbeek much less countrified.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Market gardeners sold their wares<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Haberdasher sales upstairs;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">But this trendy market “out of town”,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Gustave Hansotte’s gem, burned down!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sole survivor - front façade;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Clock never seen again - site charred …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Around Sainte Marie church a while<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Stalls mushroomed in haphazard style.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A wrought iron edifice arose<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Where steam trains brought fresh food to those<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Who daily gossiped while they queued;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">But the Twenties brought a change of mood…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Vast shopping stores became the rage;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The market dwindled, in death phase …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Repurposed site for recreation<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Or storage – there was hesitation…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Eighties saw it renovated!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Now culture hot-spot celebrated;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This reborn venue rocks – quelle chance<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Through circus, poetry and dance!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFr4bkuEcUkf908wU6NSPulMgXuwazt1jcV8TPg_GgRmXWHUOVN-9PtNiDwWixXPVruuaua96UIEwuAqFgPVPmYv611a4wmUSCfH6V8LHvh8DWjKJtnxhzoQvV34rBzC36j2i-raUqi2aa-e4Tkuxe68icoNhDwuD5JBgRxLtJkuVBgiyP_kRchbaZ2I54/s288/Halles%20de%20Schaerbeek.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="288" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFr4bkuEcUkf908wU6NSPulMgXuwazt1jcV8TPg_GgRmXWHUOVN-9PtNiDwWixXPVruuaua96UIEwuAqFgPVPmYv611a4wmUSCfH6V8LHvh8DWjKJtnxhzoQvV34rBzC36j2i-raUqi2aa-e4Tkuxe68icoNhDwuD5JBgRxLtJkuVBgiyP_kRchbaZ2I54/s1600/Halles%20de%20Schaerbeek.jpeg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-46442169707217789862024-03-27T02:51:00.000-07:002024-03-27T10:24:12.129-07:00On ChatGPT<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Computers dominate our lives</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">With complications that surprise<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We need smart passwords, brand-new codes<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Our poor Memory Bank implodes!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Were I born at later date<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I would find these skills innate<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">But in my day the personal touch<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Made life easy and less fuss.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Of course, I don’t decry new ways;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I know A.I. is not a phase<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Most businesses now run on-line<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">And updates challenge us – big time!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Is originality still key<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">When whizz-kids use chatGPT?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Plagiarism floods the Net <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">For real writers they’re a threat!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU85z5FlhO3MMuXrn18WZ5QlHPbhEW5xo1g16R09cDXy_ZyvOuGgv73H4YWNAfa10nRMoLE-RP4UU6fgjI_0s7QmGg4bfLSzm4uA2kk7mKPS9pD9UDK91b6CIrBTsWCRzzR-ZnUMihoqysVVhPZdXl6Q7d5WC3ZM37mJUhEXyzh_GfjpzCeNd3_VXYakp9/s275/ChatGPT.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU85z5FlhO3MMuXrn18WZ5QlHPbhEW5xo1g16R09cDXy_ZyvOuGgv73H4YWNAfa10nRMoLE-RP4UU6fgjI_0s7QmGg4bfLSzm4uA2kk7mKPS9pD9UDK91b6CIrBTsWCRzzR-ZnUMihoqysVVhPZdXl6Q7d5WC3ZM37mJUhEXyzh_GfjpzCeNd3_VXYakp9/s1600/ChatGPT.jpeg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">= Chat Generated Pre-trained Transformer</span><p></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-72894849002958359532024-03-23T02:15:00.000-07:002024-03-23T07:42:12.074-07:00A Royal Bench Mark<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Alone, upon a bench in jeans,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">With springtime flowers right behind<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Catherine, poised and calm it seems<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To her sad truth is inclined.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Poignant, with a touching grace<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">She says it “like it is” at last<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Some tabloids now have mud on face!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To take it all in - a hard task…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">School holidays mean kids at home;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">That they must be told is raw<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Gently these facts are made known;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hope fights - but no one knows the score…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hence as springtime comes in leaf<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mist and shadows shield the sun<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">As Mother Courage hides her grief<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">And prays for summer yet to come …<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(c) Poets in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAL9k2ZGV3ilAANUFj91NiuwMFX20R87rkaK1MuhQJHQA7OzPjIBrkV-xkO7m6NbVuZbEh6rWQYhlX1wQO5sDtOIX3vQul1fOZBlyLTsTt7ByYbIC7vLzafc_YSjkWMslKGD_IiOyNXwvRJIdBMZ79fcwtvtUB0ss_F5C3wUV3TJSn0O_0WwjxEFIny31/s275/park%20bench%20-%20spring%20flowers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAL9k2ZGV3ilAANUFj91NiuwMFX20R87rkaK1MuhQJHQA7OzPjIBrkV-xkO7m6NbVuZbEh6rWQYhlX1wQO5sDtOIX3vQul1fOZBlyLTsTt7ByYbIC7vLzafc_YSjkWMslKGD_IiOyNXwvRJIdBMZ79fcwtvtUB0ss_F5C3wUV3TJSn0O_0WwjxEFIny31/s1600/park%20bench%20-%20spring%20flowers.jpeg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-35127790856024419452024-03-19T02:55:00.000-07:002024-03-19T07:18:24.406-07:00A Snowdrop Soliloquy<p> <span style="font-size: 14pt;">I’m sure I saw some snowdrops in the lane,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Heard bird cries almost deafened by a plane<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">As Zaventem, the airport is close by<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">And flights disturb the peace of springtime sky.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In the woodland, just a stone’s throw from my home<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I often like to meditate alone<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">And observe how warmer days awake from sleep<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Nature’s hidden marvels which now creep …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Across the muddy pathways; tendrils preen …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">South-facing moss has turned the tree roots green!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Birds splash in shallow puddles which display<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">On their mirrored surface, skies still grey…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">And yet, despite Jan’s brief advent of snow,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This month of March provides a warmer glow;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Though the traumas of our world roll on (increase?)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Here among the beech trees, I find peace.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> (c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8KHld1phxRvc3lWiLlI7s-7KrgslLXdEXxY_xjEwzrZ0j_EmzopcNdzzPpSzyC_RKYG52bc64Pylc4s4oMv_X8MiSDcF-dSodjr7m6l7UdMZBYpA90cnRva4LkQOjlCatd0ISZEpDmLYkqLQib1j31jwm-M3S0i6m9PoGJYHLOrNPYTleyMPWaLW6DNs/s225/snowdrops%20in%20wood.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8KHld1phxRvc3lWiLlI7s-7KrgslLXdEXxY_xjEwzrZ0j_EmzopcNdzzPpSzyC_RKYG52bc64Pylc4s4oMv_X8MiSDcF-dSodjr7m6l7UdMZBYpA90cnRva4LkQOjlCatd0ISZEpDmLYkqLQib1j31jwm-M3S0i6m9PoGJYHLOrNPYTleyMPWaLW6DNs/s1600/snowdrops%20in%20wood.jpeg" width="224" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-18791970550608617102024-03-13T01:01:00.000-07:002024-03-13T01:08:28.927-07:00In the Dog House<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">News item: </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">did I
hear it right</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">On population growth - a blight?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It seems we ladies change our tune<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">And eschew having kids: High Noon!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We modern women now have choice<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Motherhood – a quieter voice …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">With the lure of earning, a career!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Why spend money on child care?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Companionship, a human need<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Does not go away; indeed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">On Tik Tok, Facebook and the like<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Ladies still seek “Mr. Right”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">But their profile comes with canine friend<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A faithful hound with whom they spend<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Their precious free time after hours<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Constancy in
sun and showers!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Of course they want a loving mate<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Yet feel no need to procreate!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">But sans the patter of small feet,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Our pension pot will soon deplete!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfQch7q-aCOqoRpOAs9vvJgqz6CSx0sr0hofzj2-arbJ9_fC4uh3UtbfrWSpFiyJuYKTXJBXlthCxgSfsyIOY2SYRXzcNZMkUg_D5TO4nIk0UDul0j201QafkBTh7Pl5vIVwineeaH6XZRkP1XK64sV62Y6VijNKWO6KJV6JybiPOAFC-c4EjW52cnnbp/s233/girl%20with%20dog%20cartoon.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="216" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfQch7q-aCOqoRpOAs9vvJgqz6CSx0sr0hofzj2-arbJ9_fC4uh3UtbfrWSpFiyJuYKTXJBXlthCxgSfsyIOY2SYRXzcNZMkUg_D5TO4nIk0UDul0j201QafkBTh7Pl5vIVwineeaH6XZRkP1XK64sV62Y6VijNKWO6KJV6JybiPOAFC-c4EjW52cnnbp/s1600/girl%20with%20dog%20cartoon.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-17602748104475043062024-03-06T09:06:00.000-08:002024-03-25T00:14:09.757-07:00Gate 16 - Adelaide Airport<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Proud silver bird with wings outstretched</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Being delayed, our flight affects …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">On sultry tarmac, trucks deploy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The DNATA
catering van I spy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Then a cavalcade – long baggage train;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Beyond it, Adelaide’s vast plain<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In purple haze in heat intense;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Leaving my family is a wrench …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">While modest “Virgin” planes cruise by<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Singapore Airline’s on standby:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Fast turnaround with great precision<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It so deserves its top position!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">‘SQ’ - synonymous with style<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">How its hostesses beguile!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Demure and graceful, always sweet<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">As honoured guests each one they greet!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gKLq3Bm8EgHlqpkM_fTqN2zbjAArMPtFeTI_WhNWcal5AoFQqG3bC92UFKRPIN5iMIUJgxC8qjJh3STPq6fJ-G_JM9SK8YX6skJoc2Aucn1KNQ5ZS_YtkcTOsMcKYTshPqqkaobTuGGU3et_ghXEOtsgiUvPE6U-v5NaWMToWiF-7EU8VqlVhXfhq4v_/s304/Singapore%20Airline.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="304" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gKLq3Bm8EgHlqpkM_fTqN2zbjAArMPtFeTI_WhNWcal5AoFQqG3bC92UFKRPIN5iMIUJgxC8qjJh3STPq6fJ-G_JM9SK8YX6skJoc2Aucn1KNQ5ZS_YtkcTOsMcKYTshPqqkaobTuGGU3et_ghXEOtsgiUvPE6U-v5NaWMToWiF-7EU8VqlVhXfhq4v_/s1600/Singapore%20Airline.jpeg" width="304" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-8575880006397307882024-02-27T16:09:00.000-08:002024-02-27T16:09:25.014-08:00A Moody Piece<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A change of scene, of hemisphere</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In Routine ‘s curtain, makes a tear<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">My mundane actions lose their bite<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">And attitudes change – overnight.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Winter months – in summer sun!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A change of mood, alternate fun<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Not “upside down” but way-off-beam<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In short, an otherworldly dream …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The fear of bushfires is intense<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Cyclone damage is immense<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">But smiles can often make my day<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Conferring warmth to my brief stay.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Australia seems so surreal;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Encapsulating how I feel<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Depends perhaps on weather news<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">With little rain, how I enthuse!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Europe’s footprint here is light<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">My reference points are out of sight<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">But this land of settlers, history-scarce<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Never fails to prompt my verse!</span><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><div><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(c) Poet the woods 2024</span></div></div><div><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76HRVMUVjCAl1rF5BC6QeSsHZLlj411ix_BNayN0apFywgOBJVi4EJMGETG68omdbn3u66k33toYmbuRSeVJ4Pi7mgQ5RGFuZ40sJEXi3X793Pypa8kmbvwZtKBq9hVkoHwsfzp_gh5Lzl9Bqvo7gbp2LNousTsWhygdJtygPgDaVIIPfOwZZTwmExQ7V/s262/Dreamtime.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="262" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76HRVMUVjCAl1rF5BC6QeSsHZLlj411ix_BNayN0apFywgOBJVi4EJMGETG68omdbn3u66k33toYmbuRSeVJ4Pi7mgQ5RGFuZ40sJEXi3X793Pypa8kmbvwZtKBq9hVkoHwsfzp_gh5Lzl9Bqvo7gbp2LNousTsWhygdJtygPgDaVIIPfOwZZTwmExQ7V/s1600/Dreamtime.jpeg" width="262" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Aborigine Dreamtime</span></div>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-43810213728587599412024-02-23T17:50:00.000-08:002024-02-25T14:53:15.035-08:00Adoption - Australian Style!<p>In an outback town in far N.T.*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Peacocks and Peahens tend to be<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">A “Beautiful-But-Big” invasion<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Who settle here sans invitation!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Town Elliott in consternation,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Hits nature headlines in this Nation<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Out of all proportion to its size -<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">As this bird threat is on the rise!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Though a tourist pull, the residents<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">(All 287) are incensed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">But these feral lovelies do not care<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Bequeathing droppings everywhere!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Their high-pitched squawks now cause unrest<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">It’s not “No worries!” -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they’re a pest;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">They’re bold and feisty, ruffle feathers<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">And thwart the townsfolks’ best endeavours!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">So, the Mayor, McLaughlin, has a scheme<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Perhaps a brand-new outback dream?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">“Adopt a Peacock!” he intones<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">All can have one in their homes!<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">* Northern Territory</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB32Df_gqVCieEDfUQ1KBE38jB_m-t8GfMpcgo2LlRn6rMNEdRl2QapwtS9aiSBhl95gTn37aE0MRzxJ3pcZjNKVelYHWefNxX9PJH_VrtmwjZa3Ylb7_4Lvn-xS3aHrgTcut7iEk5Udii2DOE_BZ3ASekpQT2-Fu11W8rUjxZZFDmAmhTkCbLqkcijBsK/s256/Peacock%20with%20fantail.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="256" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB32Df_gqVCieEDfUQ1KBE38jB_m-t8GfMpcgo2LlRn6rMNEdRl2QapwtS9aiSBhl95gTn37aE0MRzxJ3pcZjNKVelYHWefNxX9PJH_VrtmwjZa3Ylb7_4Lvn-xS3aHrgTcut7iEk5Udii2DOE_BZ3ASekpQT2-Fu11W8rUjxZZFDmAmhTkCbLqkcijBsK/s1600/Peacock%20with%20fantail.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><br />A splendiferous peacock!<p></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-66572937869878094062024-02-18T22:41:00.000-08:002024-02-18T23:13:47.319-08:00 Beyond the Fringe<p><span style="font-size: 9pt;">T</span>he heat is on, in every sense</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">The urge to snooze midday – intense<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">But chores and shopping must be done<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">And fridges filled to kingdom come!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">A fruit bowl décor is not wise<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Opportunistic are Oz flies!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">In no time clothes become bone dry<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">But elastic rots – undies bye! bye!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Shopping mall – aircon full blast<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Otherwise, we sweat so fast!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">And as for plants – they gasp for rain;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Watering - a daily strain!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">A tiny gecko whizzes past<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Ants nibble toes in the long grass;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Fire’s a risk – as many trees<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Shed their leaves in slightest breeze.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Monsoon rains lash the Top End<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Will Perth’s scorching summer end?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">While Adelaide greets festive Fringe<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">And parkland crowds go on a binge!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">‘Festival State’ on number plates;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Stand-Up comedy, debates<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">Concerts, music, cabaret<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">What wealth of talent on display!<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfcnhan2PTsqy-CAorlVa6oXn9QJLkyHJUPEPKLTJpwZJOvsHz3O1_F3Ti7TgZC8aH94AkNRUec7QR2hzkHVA6M-LB7u6r9AOcBbXAUPDEliFPkc5CFNWdK7C7PHzQT-ES02eY2_s7Raj8jcNVo6G-HHsiec37O1G-D6si5bcYR5gJApUJtRBb5MHXzu2/s318/Adelaide%20Fringe.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfcnhan2PTsqy-CAorlVa6oXn9QJLkyHJUPEPKLTJpwZJOvsHz3O1_F3Ti7TgZC8aH94AkNRUec7QR2hzkHVA6M-LB7u6r9AOcBbXAUPDEliFPkc5CFNWdK7C7PHzQT-ES02eY2_s7Raj8jcNVo6G-HHsiec37O1G-D6si5bcYR5gJApUJtRBb5MHXzu2/s1600/Adelaide%20Fringe.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"> The Adelaide Fringe: 16th February - 17th March, 2024</span><p></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-66463167375547423702024-02-16T16:08:00.000-08:002024-02-16T16:08:29.748-08:00Under Pressure ...<p>The
pressure mounts, world tension rises</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">From Middle
East come bad surprises;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Dried up is
that pool of calm<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Our ‘qui-vive’
blocked in mode ‘alarm’.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Does life,
dear Readers, still make sense?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I would not
wish to cause offence<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">But everywhere
the newsreels turn<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Lie harsh
lessons we must learn…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Injustice,
violence and crime<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Upset our
joie de vivre – big time<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Horrors
roll out and increase;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Where can poor
souls now find peace?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Good news rarely
makes the cut;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">As fear and
drama and bad luck<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Beset our
human kind in waves<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Conclusion:
no one now behaves…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAaGrKYlD70oC4IisLKWcE0I1prpbHahajj7ykICkt1FYMdl_5SH2nIVovej_soprtROPUdKtfQq_0EBJ__A3WMsUFpUtva9Jz8ltNXDypWLLVwvJPh7TV1RTpXne8QkTugYevjN3RO5pYPppQv8PWTSwM0g_CPyU02zd3Nu7uRL_4I04JSkDYkADNIm7/s301/worried%20woman.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAaGrKYlD70oC4IisLKWcE0I1prpbHahajj7ykICkt1FYMdl_5SH2nIVovej_soprtROPUdKtfQq_0EBJ__A3WMsUFpUtva9Jz8ltNXDypWLLVwvJPh7TV1RTpXne8QkTugYevjN3RO5pYPppQv8PWTSwM0g_CPyU02zd3Nu7uRL_4I04JSkDYkADNIm7/s1600/worried%20woman.jpeg" width="301" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-10412667391959692862024-02-11T15:49:00.000-08:002024-02-11T16:07:40.962-08:00A Matter for Concern<p>Sweet February
does its best</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To be
positive, unstressed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">But with
fewer days to shine<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It’s Sturm
and Drang most of the time!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I wonder –
must we follow news?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Media
spotlights tragic views;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Climate
change we can’t correct<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">But human
folly floods the Net!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Those in
power stir the pot;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">How can
voters* stop the rot?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Flotsam and
jetsam on life’s wave<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Common
sense is what we crave…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Angst, that
clever German word,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Describes
our modern world absurd;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The thought
we cannot rule events<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Is what
makes us humans tense …<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSu1uYLvGVQX8MWztuDO6UcpJ7VJjRbLcf1PBUcIG-MIG8qWylFg8HZWIHzKpc7xEdVzxsFf4rsU_oyOPrBoheB-EY7FWAhxh4hlYKlWsD5GY79i5PT2HUVFh5HhszBsdwkfSyvEkpPZ6ChAUi4u9tKx5JSaiSSektl2umfZpy6hVii7bv3-j4YlMWvg8/s225/stirring%20the%20cauldron%20cartoon.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSu1uYLvGVQX8MWztuDO6UcpJ7VJjRbLcf1PBUcIG-MIG8qWylFg8HZWIHzKpc7xEdVzxsFf4rsU_oyOPrBoheB-EY7FWAhxh4hlYKlWsD5GY79i5PT2HUVFh5HhszBsdwkfSyvEkpPZ6ChAUi4u9tKx5JSaiSSektl2umfZpy6hVii7bv3-j4YlMWvg8/s1600/stirring%20the%20cauldron%20cartoon.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">* e.g. at the November 2024 US Presidential Election</span><p></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-51407083050467720472024-02-09T15:44:00.000-08:002024-02-09T15:44:16.416-08:00A Dilemma - in the Making ...<p>World
politics – a checkerboard</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">With hidden
moves oft untoward;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Elections
just past or to come<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Keep smart
pundits on the run.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A Greek
philosopher* once said<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Be careful
whom you choose as head<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Think awhile,
don’t lose your nerve<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">You get the
leaders you deserve!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In the
highest echelons of power<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Corruption eats
away truth’s flower;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Two
candidates across the Pond<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Delude us,
each with magic wand…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There comes
a time when memory loss<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Can
disqualify a boss<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Yet with a
trump card in the mix<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This will
prove no easy fix!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTF8tDmdXCRVjt8g20VplXd6OJylpxzTJdMk5h-jLgfTIx5jzYN7ASdt7sOC_PGlOyVByZAsZGnJSC4vsTzqCdfnrK8ByHJtdEWtyv0f8L7O8rLkw2S_zJsIGklAuR707ExXdhER4G0cuEJmbD8C0QfAZ_9hQPR3RfaReNjC090n-QmvDN9nspPJsmUD4/s858/deformed-rose-bloom.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="840" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTF8tDmdXCRVjt8g20VplXd6OJylpxzTJdMk5h-jLgfTIx5jzYN7ASdt7sOC_PGlOyVByZAsZGnJSC4vsTzqCdfnrK8ByHJtdEWtyv0f8L7O8rLkw2S_zJsIGklAuR707ExXdhER4G0cuEJmbD8C0QfAZ_9hQPR3RfaReNjC090n-QmvDN9nspPJsmUD4/s320/deformed-rose-bloom.jpeg" width="313" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">* Plato</span></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-49296189443309249362024-02-05T17:07:00.000-08:002024-02-26T14:27:42.895-08:00At the "Friendly Street Poets" Event<p>A Monday eve in CBD*</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A new adventure on the spree<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Adelaide, down shady street<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Where like-minded poets meet.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Born back in 1975<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The ‘Friendly Street Poets’ thrive<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And hold a monthly « open mike » <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Regent Street on Monday night.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I did not know what to expect<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But many keen types here connect<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With fellow poets - all instilled<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With love of words – and I was thrilled!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Up winding staircase, warehouse style<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At six p.m. the rank and file<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All armed with sheaves of penned delights,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Attempt to put the world to rights.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">First names only ; cheers for those<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Who capture precious moods in prose;<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We’ve just three mins to make our mark<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At Number 9, I too take part.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Quite unknown, I happened by<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Life surprises - on the fly;<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A chance encounter, brain food fun:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks for my moment in the sun !<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">* Central Business District</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaKDLSzgIV7eRq6916O5IiiY_9q5smxxq0MFH9FAlceUaRjoaE6oMoESvixamyUYBkCmSkOEElWMdwK9ZZPElh6SHJ0jUsq8ontyBjyQGlkYssszJUyj-DR6awM6u8JTTBvg6Me-3xHZcXET7MSkJHSRbJR0ndPWoliO8u1sjBOYJjktXQ4A25QdPWlNg/s262/Friendly%20Street%20Poets.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="193" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaKDLSzgIV7eRq6916O5IiiY_9q5smxxq0MFH9FAlceUaRjoaE6oMoESvixamyUYBkCmSkOEElWMdwK9ZZPElh6SHJ0jUsq8ontyBjyQGlkYssszJUyj-DR6awM6u8JTTBvg6Me-3xHZcXET7MSkJHSRbJR0ndPWoliO8u1sjBOYJjktXQ4A25QdPWlNg/s1600/Friendly%20Street%20Poets.jpeg" width="193" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">With convenor Susan O'Brien</p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-264223058942575332024-01-30T02:40:00.000-08:002024-01-30T02:40:33.301-08:00Where Women Glow!<p>My Muse goes AWOL in the heat</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When every day the sun I greet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I try but fail to find new themes<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Is this what retirement means ?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With ne’er a cloud in peerless sky<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All laundry in no time is dry<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While aircon hums like sleepy bee<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I just read books or make Mum tea.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">« News Breakfast » TV : Middle East<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Humanitarian needs increase ;<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here in Oz sharp rental hike<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Disgruntled Aussies go on strike !<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Moisturising body cream<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Protects and adds a vital sheen<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, why wear make-up in this heat ?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Beware gnarled cracks in sandalled feet !<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Slow pace of life in torrid times<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Where loose clothing now defines<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Southern chic so, I obey;<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Forgotten - winter’s northern grey !<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpG8OUSlJqT93dLEkkiSfSB4jNI2003h0VJWJtcTsacaY3x2BYkhr5BhIvou-e8jGSt_GJ3S4zNVNTCjTauDWA4nUQQedoQMfBc63T21_hc_eldEuCShd3cDb_IOud7sdimNO2b2Zqksr9tmz26MqSSWyVnmyGSbEzJkCpw8DsKQR3Jz54qNsQDkYaLiRw/s273/pale%20blue%20summer%20dress.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpG8OUSlJqT93dLEkkiSfSB4jNI2003h0VJWJtcTsacaY3x2BYkhr5BhIvou-e8jGSt_GJ3S4zNVNTCjTauDWA4nUQQedoQMfBc63T21_hc_eldEuCShd3cDb_IOud7sdimNO2b2Zqksr9tmz26MqSSWyVnmyGSbEzJkCpw8DsKQR3Jz54qNsQDkYaLiRw/s1600/pale%20blue%20summer%20dress.jpeg" width="184" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-65721224278404719232024-01-25T23:32:00.000-08:002024-01-25T23:34:46.119-08:00Australia Day - a Meditation<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Australia, land of sharp contrasts,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Where settlers, from a myriad pasts<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Made new lives in rough terrain<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Beset by droughts, deluged by rain!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">The poor First Nation had no voice<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Those who were born here had no choice<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">But to accept the White Man’s Law<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Their lives quite different from before…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Where sheep and gold were common sights<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Injustice, land grabs, lack of rights<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Lay hidden in “Australia Fair”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">But they were here before – so there!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Now multi-culti through and through<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Though Aussie “Citizens” * are new,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">On this, Australia Day, we meet<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">In harmony, not to compete.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">As Tamworth** festival now ends<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">I learn of weird, non-music trends:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">So, I am happy to report<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Thong-tossing*** - brand-new national sport!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeT2yCcY0Jwl3_S7d3PBVH7Qe_XM3V9gVlPMqg7H5OA2KIl8_7BiqT-b7UseC2xg8bTvxXBgemYFUOYQG3firhk3VAevWCjnB-6R5fuvFJqPyug7TcIb74lT_uqDpqaofA2x0PdxDV-roeg1Uhi9ZQ3j_l1MxaH7KLDWMwHt91-_KHCDlkE4DY0qmLR8G/s286/Thong%20tossing.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="286" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeT2yCcY0Jwl3_S7d3PBVH7Qe_XM3V9gVlPMqg7H5OA2KIl8_7BiqT-b7UseC2xg8bTvxXBgemYFUOYQG3firhk3VAevWCjnB-6R5fuvFJqPyug7TcIb74lT_uqDpqaofA2x0PdxDV-roeg1Uhi9ZQ3j_l1MxaH7KLDWMwHt91-_KHCDlkE4DY0qmLR8G/s1600/Thong%20tossing.jpeg" width="286" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"> * Official Australian Citizesnhip ceremonies began in 1949</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">** 10- day Musical Festival held in Tamworth, New South Wales.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">*** This consists of throwing a flip-flop as far as it will go - with a prize for the winner!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Note: Australia Day is 26th January.</span></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-72389935096646918952024-01-21T03:04:00.000-08:002024-03-13T01:35:55.605-07:00Mid-January Bulletin<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Seen from the South, one’s focus shifts<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">With every day my view sun-kissed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Pacific Rim takes pride of place<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As here the news is Asia-based.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The TDU or ‘Tour Down Under’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Makes the headlines - cycling wonder!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Melbourne’s
Tennis “hits” the spot<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And “Footie” reigns supreme … or not!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Climate change much talked about<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Crops destroyed by rain and drought …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Floods cause power line distress,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Bushfire plans put to the test!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Now biting fire-ants come on stream!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Food and rental costs – obscene!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">On pristine beaches – not a soul<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Suntans perhaps a lethal goal!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Just another snapshot of my week<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Where tubs of ice cream reach their peak …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But a cute koala up a tree<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Brought home Australia to me!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEC-FXenO-QBtAWZ0X0QbpPX5rgEFyQcJrCkWuFpVeKlHXADll80HwTvNwlyOTty6II3gZYDUFvBbp_i94EsGn1gdiFDJL8Vs3LGO9esiutaCZPTVigmdLrcuXpVkcTJGArT9R-ebFfoIsr8y0Zr6wC4gH7ofq_Kw7x-VO-T7_8QLlTLqQtrbeeJ81cVx/s275/Koala%20in%20tree%20fork.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEC-FXenO-QBtAWZ0X0QbpPX5rgEFyQcJrCkWuFpVeKlHXADll80HwTvNwlyOTty6II3gZYDUFvBbp_i94EsGn1gdiFDJL8Vs3LGO9esiutaCZPTVigmdLrcuXpVkcTJGArT9R-ebFfoIsr8y0Zr6wC4gH7ofq_Kw7x-VO-T7_8QLlTLqQtrbeeJ81cVx/s1600/Koala%20in%20tree%20fork.jpeg" width="275" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-50047747615906674612024-01-18T15:51:00.000-08:002024-01-18T15:51:03.039-08:00Over-Heated?<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">With heatwave promised, we lie low</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">All daily chores reduced to “slow”;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">And with hopes of sport receding<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Time to catch up on our reading!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Pavements scorch like red-hot coals!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Without aircon, the bell tolls<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">For many who, advanced in years,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Scarcely budge from deep armchairs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Vast shopping malls and quaint arcade<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Provide temptation and cool shade<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">While hardened Aussies work outdoors<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Rugged up against the sun that soars!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Great nature parks are everywhere<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">But such extremes make visits rare;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">No need to face the glare each time<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">With admin services on line!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Cold showers help the day to start<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">But heat, like cold, keeps folks apart.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">As storms and floods make daily news<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Dilemma - what clothes should we choose?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rrYHt6iQLrrTafyLelFT5yP35ZiINcXGTSCe4S-NFEKRbNfzAIyAJtzNW7FEh7P-ZHXhR9GAXEZQREkQ9kiFSj4X7gnQcegcU7wdrV2WMi3al1mhcvqthVzXr5_JaMc98VhF8RLHN3oZU2VhIhOrvi9Z7G5nW-iCukBWlfpms9G9TTQA4i1DmucO7SSF/s300/Construction%20worker%20Australia.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rrYHt6iQLrrTafyLelFT5yP35ZiINcXGTSCe4S-NFEKRbNfzAIyAJtzNW7FEh7P-ZHXhR9GAXEZQREkQ9kiFSj4X7gnQcegcU7wdrV2WMi3al1mhcvqthVzXr5_JaMc98VhF8RLHN3oZU2VhIhOrvi9Z7G5nW-iCukBWlfpms9G9TTQA4i1DmucO7SSF/s1600/Construction%20worker%20Australia.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><p></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-44332768828095742792024-01-15T16:31:00.000-08:002024-01-15T20:42:07.619-08:00Some Wild Happenings!<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Boy mauled by crocodile! - makes news</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">In well-warmed waters at Top End”;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">In temperate Tassie, please wear shoes<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Brown snakes* are ever- present, Friend!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Beware of termite-Fests at home<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">With timbers brittle to the touch;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Wildlife prowls - you’re not alone<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">But ants flee aircon pretty much!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">To foreign eyes, the heat’s intense<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">One tiny spark may start a fire<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">With corrugated roof and fence<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">In no time hellish funeral pyre!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Down Under, Man’s touch seems so slight<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Buildings are not made to last;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here trenchant
views - both black and white<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Reflect a much-tormented past!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">(c) Poet in the woods 1924</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUQC36qwWFtimTqerub6mlckv-fYlv5lfYwMv3jwYvH0qpbwXaOCaGZTKh3-U2xPCNSgvxfOuxbrPRZ5XYCMiZG2IaaolKy9FCwFD24IGYgWRQbkIY7pVJKdmR3_d55o3XgEAOEhNvtjeTjrfQbbUXrdXjhk9j7aEE9tYsVzNRInNgVjZxzaIDBqDysf8/s284/brown%20snake2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUQC36qwWFtimTqerub6mlckv-fYlv5lfYwMv3jwYvH0qpbwXaOCaGZTKh3-U2xPCNSgvxfOuxbrPRZ5XYCMiZG2IaaolKy9FCwFD24IGYgWRQbkIY7pVJKdmR3_d55o3XgEAOEhNvtjeTjrfQbbUXrdXjhk9j7aEE9tYsVzNRInNgVjZxzaIDBqDysf8/s1600/brown%20snake2.jpeg" width="284" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">* The brown snake can be lethal</span><p></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-80801788929912540352024-01-14T22:22:00.000-08:002024-01-14T22:22:59.676-08:00Frederik's Mermaid!<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Crown Prince of Denmark travelled far;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">To visit Sydney on The Rocks;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">A chance encounter in a bar<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">And for a moment, his heart stops!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Olympic Games had set the scene<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">The world had flown in to take part<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">For Tassie Mary, to be queen<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Was unimagined at the start.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Yet Fate moves in mysterious ways;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">The “Slip Inn” now can celebrate<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dashing Frederik’s
new phase;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here was was the site of their first date.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Her Hobart childhood left behind<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">She now resides in royal style<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Danes towards her have been kind:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Most famous Aussie – by a mile!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">The modest pawn takes the Queen’s* place<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">In terms of chess - a winning stroke<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Post abdication, change of pace ...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Regina Mary is bespoke!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">* Queen Margrethe, mother of Frederik, abdicated on 14.1.2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PHaAyS6eUQNNbigkwva64SEDoxp6LyNgDX6SniUiuTxE6kWc2kVWVunyBJVAuFaISxcqBUDHLfKF8kCglXJe3eHnXBWPSmTf_jNQirsvYsSYtMhxl2mTNIKVeW9u436GsnviHWiHvyP-J9cRW72h2utPSS0ImWb0GubxLFUP0Fm-6VJ6W3Vbv5X0nZy4/s275/King%20Frederik%20and%20Mary.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PHaAyS6eUQNNbigkwva64SEDoxp6LyNgDX6SniUiuTxE6kWc2kVWVunyBJVAuFaISxcqBUDHLfKF8kCglXJe3eHnXBWPSmTf_jNQirsvYsSYtMhxl2mTNIKVeW9u436GsnviHWiHvyP-J9cRW72h2utPSS0ImWb0GubxLFUP0Fm-6VJ6W3Vbv5X0nZy4/s1600/King%20Frederik%20and%20Mary.jpeg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><p></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-39969191274513277052024-01-10T15:34:00.000-08:002024-01-10T20:37:03.756-08:00In Sunny January Mood<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">With the heat turned
up, the days dream by</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Under endless cloudless
sky…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">One’s busy mantra
falls asleep;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">The urge to meditate
is deep.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Faced now with
surplus end-year sales<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">And all the trauma
this entails<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">It seems a good time
to take stock<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">And consider what we’ve
got!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">The urge to buy more “stuff” isn’t there<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">I am not tempted; should
I care?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">But Nature’s haunting
beauty thrills<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Up in Adelaide’s cool
hills!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Farmers here are
over-wrought<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Dramatic floods make
them distraught;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Across the board they
count the cost<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">As carefully tended
crops are lost.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">So, meeting friends
for “Morning Tea”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">In the suburbs seems
to me<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">A pleasant interlude
for some;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Who cares if nothing
else gets done?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnpJpOLXefK9cG3KTGZA1vVKIuFlxP7x9czO1wOfSDTqlCvoV8oxF-C3VyQ90oYWiGZZXQBrfs5PSoMQSEb3AQqXueM3AuFrcsI5aTnisz1T3I7kHz0utFURPAcp3CyD-IGRT9a_efOlUrE4coibzVMfTRIr-0jQHDwMngXnkFdQe5utlSefwqZspD08d/s271/Morning%20Tea%20-%20Oz.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="271" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnpJpOLXefK9cG3KTGZA1vVKIuFlxP7x9czO1wOfSDTqlCvoV8oxF-C3VyQ90oYWiGZZXQBrfs5PSoMQSEb3AQqXueM3AuFrcsI5aTnisz1T3I7kHz0utFURPAcp3CyD-IGRT9a_efOlUrE4coibzVMfTRIr-0jQHDwMngXnkFdQe5utlSefwqZspD08d/s1600/Morning%20Tea%20-%20Oz.jpeg" width="271" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">A typical Australian Morning Tea - with cakes and pastries!</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-66034380817352139162024-01-07T14:38:00.000-08:002024-01-07T14:38:10.455-08:00Thomas Turns Ten!<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Monday* dawns - our lad turns ten<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Thomas, who loves maths, stays zen!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This birthday has a special ring<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">With double digits his new thing!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Growing taller, more at ease<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Thomas thinks golf is a breeze<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">At mini-golf down West Beach way<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">His Hole-in-One blew Dad away!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Solving puzzles floats his boat<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">He likes to think; can be remote<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But also has a lively side<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Taking Isabella in his stride!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As Auntie, who flies South again<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I see great change to now from then<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This sharp young chap reflects more spark;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Has greater knowledge to impart!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">First birthday in our family year<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When summer holidays are here!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">All present to congratulate<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Thomas on his double-date!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhUKBTd6JwAKZWqiBI3Aznh8KXZlaZFb5L2Mkwvca_YoiK6CR_F9eN6293zSdWaG-v4czCKd-dqNzjmI2HKwR6BlWZXT6czCGoer2YhxZMRbYJ_ecDpsR572QsvCcjt8_1o71REExz3xPRBvBMNV91Gfw-0y_P9oTlDiqJyFeueJJa9MiLuxrGVODGWf5/s2000/Thomas%20in%20Tree2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhUKBTd6JwAKZWqiBI3Aznh8KXZlaZFb5L2Mkwvca_YoiK6CR_F9eN6293zSdWaG-v4czCKd-dqNzjmI2HKwR6BlWZXT6czCGoer2YhxZMRbYJ_ecDpsR572QsvCcjt8_1o71REExz3xPRBvBMNV91Gfw-0y_P9oTlDiqJyFeueJJa9MiLuxrGVODGWf5/s320/Thomas%20in%20Tree2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span> *8th January, 2024</p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-24542219893685047562024-01-03T22:32:00.000-08:002024-01-03T22:32:31.569-08:00Some Hot Thoughts!<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Phew! Floods - then fires - then angry rains</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But scarce a droplet on the plains<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Resilient plants get some relief<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As water bores flow underneath.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We all wear hats, this is no fad<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As burning-to-a-crisp feels bad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Australia is one tough school<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hence many here have their own pool!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fruit bowl décor tempts pesky flies<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hence fridges here are all king-size!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fresh veggies look good but soon spoil<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In no time butter turns to oil!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Aussies, rich or poor, have wheels;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Try walking and see how it feels<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With ultraviolet rays a threat<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You must protect your ears and neck!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, stay indoors with curtains closed;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For those of advanced years, a doze<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In cosy chair with aircon blast<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Helps sultry afternoons to pass…</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(c) Poet in the woods 2024</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlXa2BcyTlGgmaZMvKGQvPXc_jnV1vvBLKl9Y8kY-CZ-r6VGrcgUsLg0M08xf-e5YqTIaVZ6lT6Ux_9arLVu4c6NZEJilhKgAXNQoOGBbHiFljxOajcj-FX42IOiRclKT_bd-taKydIe7M1kWbxxtovD7fvaAnvXtHsSMDQoLDuIMSxKDXuedY19oYh9d/s347/fruitbowl.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="145" data-original-width="347" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlXa2BcyTlGgmaZMvKGQvPXc_jnV1vvBLKl9Y8kY-CZ-r6VGrcgUsLg0M08xf-e5YqTIaVZ6lT6Ux_9arLVu4c6NZEJilhKgAXNQoOGBbHiFljxOajcj-FX42IOiRclKT_bd-taKydIe7M1kWbxxtovD7fvaAnvXtHsSMDQoLDuIMSxKDXuedY19oYh9d/s320/fruitbowl.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">* Adelaide</span><p></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-83497220840671613502023-12-29T16:22:00.000-08:002023-12-29T16:24:27.733-08:00At Slower Pace<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sport and weather fill the news</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Down Under: European views<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Rarely make Breakfast T.V.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Hermetic lifestyle – I’m at sea!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Boxing Day – mad shopping spree<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Cricket crowds at MCG*<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">A fatal shark attack – teen dies<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">All this under blue, blue skies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">With jetlag trauma in the past<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">These summer days have chilly blast<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Friends drop by with homemade treats;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">I take a walk down leaf-strewn streets.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />
<br />
I stroll alone as cars whizz by<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Threat of rain, though it stays dry<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Of scorching sun there is no trace<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">‘Fire Season’ signs seem out of place.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Australia - country of extremes<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">For early settlers – land of dreams<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Where suburbia spreads to barren waste<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">And life is lived at slower pace...<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">(c) Poet in the woods 2023</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjO9g_MlTe5UYzwgZ9Tfmp_H73SkCC5-lNIPeUDzaB6WEsQ-85-PM7N5tEuiFL7UeoNDiPyY9sBEYmVzbw-C2SD9gVZjfu9SyaNqcBb_NVWfIuDmtUnJvNHRfY1co6RyF2x0HCy30tOykItRYQB1uw50j3PjPlklF8WHZ6nxP6D_Z0YKZAd7QV7iK5i6F/s284/MCG%20-%20Melbourne%20Cricket%20Ground.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjO9g_MlTe5UYzwgZ9Tfmp_H73SkCC5-lNIPeUDzaB6WEsQ-85-PM7N5tEuiFL7UeoNDiPyY9sBEYmVzbw-C2SD9gVZjfu9SyaNqcBb_NVWfIuDmtUnJvNHRfY1co6RyF2x0HCy30tOykItRYQB1uw50j3PjPlklF8WHZ6nxP6D_Z0YKZAd7QV7iK5i6F/s1600/MCG%20-%20Melbourne%20Cricket%20Ground.jpeg" width="284" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">* MCG - Melbourne Cricket Ground</span><p></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-14181920325460655552023-12-26T15:52:00.000-08:002023-12-26T16:13:01.489-08:00Post Boxing Day<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Amazingly, this Christmastide<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Lacks burning sun from which to hide!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Oz Top End: hailstorms swirl round towns<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Wild water surges, lone soul drowns …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Fierce floods and storms wash cars away<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Cut power lines make Yuletide grey<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">While volunteers and rescue teams <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rush to assist at crisis scenes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Down South, the picture is reversed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">As drought and bushfires do their worst;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Tinder dry, winds fan tall flames –<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Homes vanish leaving charred remains!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">And that’s not all, as on the Net<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Climate change makes link direct:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Hayfever victims on the rise<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Months of snuffles and sore eyes…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">No drought, no storms in Adelaide;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Damp skies mean fire risk delayed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Though not as warm as one would like<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">All I I miss is star-filled night!</span> </p><p><br /></p><p>(c) Poet in the woods 2023</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYrJT6ipRew7E9uDZ_-u2RCWWTJnTAagn7kU47KQpvoCG1-SShswIp6SZlLdBLKzOFe7E8iolhiPtrOi-t8A6shwnB7BhLvWEXG8YjqXNGjy84OKL2cCjoJioB5-4a9Twv06Hyr-QN-agp0GQpBZ2n_s8lsDQd0m4O3OEOZlUQAOLF-_1OV7rlT3sC33A/s300/Hayfever%20sufferer.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYrJT6ipRew7E9uDZ_-u2RCWWTJnTAagn7kU47KQpvoCG1-SShswIp6SZlLdBLKzOFe7E8iolhiPtrOi-t8A6shwnB7BhLvWEXG8YjqXNGjy84OKL2cCjoJioB5-4a9Twv06Hyr-QN-agp0GQpBZ2n_s8lsDQd0m4O3OEOZlUQAOLF-_1OV7rlT3sC33A/s1600/Hayfever%20sufferer.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041359854546618223.post-17494276326749746832023-12-22T17:18:00.000-08:002023-12-22T17:18:15.287-08:00Musing at Seacliff Beach<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Smart helicopter scans from skies<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">As marauding sharks may threaten lives<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The tide is out, vast sands exposed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Sunday families, scanty clothes …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Deep blue horizon, wispy streaks<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Umbrellas mushroom on the beach<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Though hats are worn against the glare<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s time-out time and laissez-faire.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Oz voices raucous, dogs sniff past<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We sit in tree shade on tough grass<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Near bark-chip playground climbing frame:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s swings and roundabouts again!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Old wooden bench bakes in this heat<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The hunt is on for cool retreat;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">From time-to-time fast motor boat<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Creates bold waves in view remote.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The sparkling surface of the sea<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Creates a vision just for me;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">First Nation’s Dreamtime – source of awe<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Eternity on lapping shore …<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">(c) Poet in the woods 2023</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtNTJ_nD06OETgu-Ilrm0cdxcwY3Iw7nyWcRYtwuomYMCO2WsSRZ_i0hWE5Rgm1ebuZvigqfWVe7VXVh_KlZt5Dk1W4M8E9wZRexWfEhvC4EL1Q_LOaHHtafKxNnQdjcm7uW9U_mF1X99QbQdGcPq7jOY9oqmVnVnUGpseHL7wvWciuuKx2zGL8qA4PiN/s347/Seacliff%20Beach%20SA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="145" data-original-width="347" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtNTJ_nD06OETgu-Ilrm0cdxcwY3Iw7nyWcRYtwuomYMCO2WsSRZ_i0hWE5Rgm1ebuZvigqfWVe7VXVh_KlZt5Dk1W4M8E9wZRexWfEhvC4EL1Q_LOaHHtafKxNnQdjcm7uW9U_mF1X99QbQdGcPq7jOY9oqmVnVnUGpseHL7wvWciuuKx2zGL8qA4PiN/s320/Seacliff%20Beach%20SA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span> </p>PoetintheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10985429899974582733noreply@blogger.com0