My Over-the-Top Mum!

Words fail me; what to say or do

When you, Mama, hit 1-0-2?

No card exists for this high score;

As for gifts - do you need more?

 

Objets d’art encourage dust;

Is Belgian chocolate still a must?

The sad thing is I cannot share

Your once-in-a-lifetime dare!

 

The ‘tyranny of distance‘ rules!

Brussels swelters while Oz cools

It’s mid-winter in July

While sunbeams glorify our sky!

 

Rare soul indeed with this long run

Your Memory Book is next to none!

You welcome those who come to call

Alert as always, on the ball!

 

I wonder how you’ll celebrate

This “I-can’t-quite-believe-it” date;

Hang out the flags and roll the drum

For my 1-0-2 dear Mum!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Isabella (7) with Mum (102)

Thomas is not Stumped!

To root out problems can be hard;

New challenge for the family bard!

Mummy’s yard is overgrown

Tree stump removal skills - unknown.

 

So, Thomas, at his Dad’s behest,

Wonders what action is best.

Decision:  just brute strength and time;

Dig, tug and pull – all should be fine!

 

But hidden deep in wintry ground

Tenacious are these roots, and sound!

A real man’s job, nephew infers -

Time perhaps to earn his spurs*?

 

A daring tug-of-war ensues

Isabella is enthused;

While Mum admires, a few steps back,

Thomas, her bold lumberjack!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* The Black Prince earned his spurs at the battle of Crécy in 1346 aged 16. Thomas is only 11.

 

Framed for Auntie!

This composition poised, untried

Positioned neatly, just inside

An ornate frame, front-facing view

Shows Isabella’s grin is new!

 

Dame Nature knows a thing or two

As growing up is hard to do;

To get adult teeth, we’re wired

It’s just patience that’s required!

 

The Pillow Fairy knows the score

That front gap wasn’t there before

But tooth replacement does take time

And occasions this short rhyme.

 

Thomas, very much the man,

Has passed this stage and so he can

Look kindly on her gappy smile

Less photogenic – for a while…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

 

The Pros and Cons of Sun!

When far from home base, Let’s reflect

On how new fish swim in our net

Perspectives change, we learn to cope

Through the other end of telescope.

 

Of course, Australia’s burning sun

At Christmas time is Number One

But drought means leaves are tinder-dry;

Beware a spark in cloudless sky…

 

Skin clinics have strong roles to play

Suncream’s a must for every day;

Aircon and water bills increase

As shade entices man and beast!

 

Due to the dryness in the air

Skin coarsens; wrinkles soon appear

My wide-brimmed hat - my go-to friend;

Will four-month summers never end?

 

Under Belgium’s rainy skies

We do not need to screw up eyes

As damp air keeps complexions young

But cloud baths really aren’t much fun!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

  

A Complete Unknown - Really?

Mitcham suburb,* trip by train

Film meet-up with good friend – again!

Remember Sixties’ Rolling Stone?

The title: “The Complete Unknown”.

 

This icon’s life we had to see!

Bob Dylan - now aged eighty-three

With just a guitar made his way

Up the Charts; how he could play!

 

Well thought-out lyrics buzzed the crowd

At Newport Festivals he wowed ...

His views on politics caused drama;

Won Nobel prize**, met with Obama!

 

By Woody Guthrie was inspired;

They met when Woody, old and tired

Could no longer speak, poor soul;

Pete Seeger helped him hone his role.

 

Imbued with independent streak

Duets with Joan Baez - a treat

Although a long way from mainstream

He exposed the fragile U.S. dream!

 

“The times they are a-changing” bites;

Bob dared to highlight human rights

New generations come on line

But his lyrics stand the test of time!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* South Australia

** in 2016 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature

Warm and Wonderful!

From upside-down to right-side-up

Half-full or half-empty cup?

Observing life through a new lens

Means change of diet and fun friends…

 

As life’s not static, we move through

Surprising doorways with keys new;

Away from routine, let’s take stock

What should we jettison, what not?

 

Let’s take time out to assess

Our likes and dislikes; as a guest

Adaptation to the Aussie way

Means heat affects the roles we play.

 

Those wintry North climes don’t appeal;

 Here, sunshine makes my senses reel!

So, I indulge in cloud-free days

In this brief ‘Down Under’ phase!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

The Power of the Dahlia!

Away from Europe’s cloudy skies

A new day dawns in hot sunrise

There’s something special on this date:

Feb 14^th – should we celebrate?

 

Australia – in the burning sun

Too hot for box-of-chocolates fun;

So, those with thoughts of love in mind

Bring flowers when they wine and dine!

 

Imported roses stand their ground;

What a pun! But I am bound

To mention that love in Australia

Now often plumps for modest dahlia!

 

On feast of Valentine Down Under

Native blooms now steal their thunder;

Adelaide florists in the Hills

Speed local blooms through busy tills!

 

The mood is changing, cynics gloat

But fine bouquets still get my vote!

Great traditions are sublime

Good on you, Saint Valentine!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

On Heat!

Excessive sun is over-rated

Relief from scorching heat awaited!

The urge to snooze, or lap ice cream

Becomes the norm (know what I mean?)

 

All laundry drip-dries in an hour

While garden plants yearn for a shower;

Forget the ironing, it’s too hot

We raid the fridge; eat what we’ve got!

 

It’s far too hard to get things done

The urge to “switch off” seems like fun;

Cold drinks with ice cubes are the deal

I pinch myself – is this all real?

 

While Belgium shivers in the cold

February here is gold;

In shorts and sleeveless top, we dress

Though hats stay de rigueur, I guess!

 

A brief look at computer screen …

A smattering of emails mean

I must reply but keep them short

As without aircon, life is fraught!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Note: on 12th February, 2025 it was 43°C (or 109°F) but we are drought-ridden and South Australia urgently needs rain! :-)

Snapshot of Sale, Victoria

Three hours from Melbourne down to Sale

By train – but once by cart or sail …

An Aussie “real-feel” country town

With bird-filled wetlands all around.

 

An ancient swing bridge* still evokes

Its former raison d’être, when boats

Transported gold from ‘them thar hills’;

Visitor centre – artwork thrills!

 

Noodles and toasties - local fare

Clock tower on main thoroughfare

Op shops a-plenty: ‘Target,’ ‘Coles’

Post Office and prison for lost souls…

 

Stupendous boardwalks, wetland views

Where pelicans and seagulls cruise;

Grey-headed bats hang from tall trees;

Botanic gardens – snake-free please!

 

Craft circle by vast greyhound track

Midday dining at ‘Redd Katt’;

Here Yoga and Pilates thrive

With swim-gym for those under five!

 

Life Saving Station, steps to beach

Called “90 miles” (ends hard to reach!);

Stand-up board surfers ride each wave

An offshore wind – but hats behave!

 

Australian rock band “Southern Sons”

Strut their stuff and all Sale comes

To odd-shaped theatre, Wedge by name;

When we emerged, so did the rain!

 

'Amarti' venue – ate inside

In more mist and rain, Reid Drive;

Gaza and Donald head the News;

Gippsland brochures to peruse…

 

Rumbling trucks scarce cause a stir

Outstanding trees seen everywhere!

A cool change makes lake walks a pleasure;

A joyful week with friends at leisure!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Built in 1883

 

Advent of the Year of the Snake

Feral pigs ravage the plains

While northern coasts are lashed by rains

Dry lightning now ignites bushfires

And everyone in Oz perspires…

 

Year-of-the-Snake – begins today!

In Botanic Gardens, Sydney way

The “Corpse Flower”  arum* stinks - and poses

A challenge to onlookers’ noses!

 

It’s too much to take in,  digest;

On a wave of oddities, I crest;

June flights to Darwin now curtailed

My European life derailed!

 

Sports held outdoors - there's so much space;

Of ancient history – no trace

Although First Nation people claim

Their “Dreamtime” memories remain!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

 * Also known as  the Amorphophallus Titanum or "Putricia"

in the Sydney Botanic Gardens

Sunny Australia Day Thoughts

This constant heat can be a trial

But thrills! Because it’s there we smile;

Although it with our mood plays tricks

 And suncream must be in the mix!

 

But, coming from a wintry clime*

Where it rains – most of the time

I do enjoy the gentle breeze

That shakes the eucalyptus leaves!

 

Sun dries clothes fast, but dries out skin

But all in all, it’s a win-win

As life is good when the sun shines

And happy outlooks underlines!

 

No heavy clothes, just light attire;

Picnics in the sun inspire!

As visiting all parks is free

Just rugs and snacks by shady tree!

 

Great scenic spots are all close by

Where smart dress codes don’t apply;

For families it’s a paradise

Which in this hectic world – is nice!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Belgium

Bridgewater Boulevard Park, South Australia

Getting a Handle on Australia

I seek a little inspiration:

What to say about this Nation?

Sports-mad, with temperatures extreme

Life here is a curdled dream.

 

Adelaide has endless space,

Its one-storied homes - sans grace;

Vast supermarkets, rare small shops

Washing hung outside soon rots!

 

I’ve now had time to check things out

A friendly bunch - of that no doubt!

With constant sunshine, rare are frowns;

Graceful, lofty trees – bird sounds…

 

This island, washed by five large seas

Still celebrates with morning teas

Recalling long-lost English past

Though multi-cultural at last!

 

To European eyes – too new

Its Aborigines – too few

Its emphasis on sales – too great;

In short, a modern-outlook State!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Kookaburras on Eucalptus tree against a peerless blue sky!

January 13th - Oz News

While Brussels shivers under snow,

Heatwave conditions make us glow;

Cold showers are the way to go

It seems to me.

North Queensland is awash with rain

At Melbourne Open* – wet terrain

Weather forecasts make it plain

Extremes are key.

 

A plane crash happens in N.T.

Rockhampton: tourists come to see

Mini penguins running free:

Prized habitat!

An Observation Centre planned

But too many tourists crammed

Mean conservationists now stand

To ban all that!

 

So, sport and nature head the news

Ruffling feathers with strong views;

Hence poets find it hard to choose

What to relate;

A railway strike in Sydney’s East?

Home rental figures just released?

Or, wild dog** fence to be increased?

Much to debate!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Annual Tennis Tournament

** 32 km dingo fence!

 

January 9th - Snippets

Brussels – under snow and frost

While those in L.A. count the cost

Of fires that rage through trailer park

Inferno caused by tiny spark …

 

Yes, Nature rules! While Man looks on

Trees and homes flare up, soon gone

But there is good news around

An Aussie hiker lost – is found!*

 

Parkes’ ** Elvis festival takes place

Massed look-alikes put on brave face;

Though Elvis died at forty-two

His legacy stays green and new!

 

Extreme Right – Jean-Marie Le Pen

Recalls a certain France back when;

At ninety-six, he quits the stage

With mixed reviews on printed page!

 

Odd snippets gleaned from world-wide news

There is so much that I could choose

But these needs must suffice today

Variety is the spice, they say!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

*  in Kosciuszko National Park, NSW after missing 2 weeks

** Elvis look-alike Festival in Parkes, NSW

Thomas Turns Eleven!

Our Birthday Boy stands proud and tall;

Think “Legs Eleven!” Bingo call;

Imbued now with a sense of self

He loves figures, knows their worth.

 

Since learning two and two make four,

Pragmatic, he likes to explore

Tough calculations he enjoys

He’s streets ahead of other boys!

 

He loves to read, ride on his bike

Disappearing out of sight

Around the leafy neighbourhood

At this age – freedom feels so good!

 

Some school subjects need more care

Determined, he will soon get there;

With primary school days nearly through

He’s on the verge of visions new!

 

As to what lies ahead – who knows?

There’s time to sense where the wind blows…

His knowledge grows as he advances:

His Tree of Life has many branches!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

An Epiphany 2025

It isn’t every day I write;

How can I when the sun burns bright

And blue skies beckon me outdoors

Or keep me busy – doing chores…

 

This year sees Seoul up in arms

And drought affecting Aussie farms;

While Jimmy Carter lies in state

And mourners his life venerate.

 

We wonder what this new year brings

With Donald waiting in the wings

 And Gaza still prone to attack;

World politics stays on the rack.

 

I don’t pretend the know the score;

Old Christmas trees lie on the floor

But Epiphany shows saddened face

As festive frolics slow their pace...

(c)  Poet in the woods 2025

 Jimmy Carter - 39th US President

At Karkoo Nursery - in the Adelaide Hills

The road led up through lofty trees

Against the red rocks, gentle breeze,

With scarce a car met on our way

We reach a glade quite tucked away.

 

There’s a peaceful feel by railway track

Which ran to Murray Bridge and back;

But the station now sells bright-eyed plants

Which make great gifts and lives enhance.

 

Glassware and paintings, candles, soap

Tempt browsers to this site remote

 Where a café offers tasty fare

And mosaic wildlife on walls stare …

 

A clever move up for Karkoo

From Main Road Blackwood; a great view

Away from most suburban eyes

Its apparition a surprise.

 

Today it’s 36 degrees

Our car parked under shady leaves;

We settle for a bite to eat

In this train-free hill retreat!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Old Mount Lofty Station, near Stirling

Australia - a Danger Zone?

More shark attacks! It’s scary here

With vicious fire ants always near

These pesky insects shatter peace

Though sandal-shod, they bit my niece!

 

Always when we go outside

A water bottle by our side

A wide-brimmed hat needs must go too

Deceptive skies of deepest blue!

 

Though huge crowds fill the MCG*

Test cricket features on TV

While “Footie” also hits the spot

With female referees who rock!

 

Mortgage brokers go to town

House prices flutter up and down;

Those bushfires rage - caused by chance spark

Vast barren landscape, scorched and stark.

 

The talk is always of skin care

Hence cancer clinics everywhere;

Of golden beaches it can boast

But no one wants to end up toast!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Melbourne Cricket Ground

Fire Ants on the rampage!

Glimpses on Brighton Beach

Good omen – no clouds in the sky!

Australia stays warm and dry

So, what a lucky bird am I

To bathe in sun;

On Brighton Jetty – firework show

For seven minutes:“ Comme c’est beau!”

Spectators all with eyes aglow

Had family fun.

 

A few police strolled through the crowd

No alcohol on beach allowed

Though children “ooh’ed” and “aah’ed” out loud:

Stunning display!

Families sit on rugs, share treats;

Against the Norfolk pines one greets

Neighbours in the nearby streets

Parked far away…

 

Here, in the southern hemisphere

Outstanding sunsets, balmy air

As star-filled skies are never rare,

There’s space to breathe;

No snow, no mulled wine, no brash sales

Perhaps a small ship with full sails

In gentle breeze, not howling gales

As last year leaves …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025