As November wanes ...

November dies in wind and mist

Though sometimes falling leaves are kissed

By ragged rays of autumn shine

Pre-Christmas shoppers out – big time!

 

The wars continue – peace talks stale

Hong Kong fireball* leaves black trail

Floods* in Thailand’s south claim lives …

But Hope, amazingly, survives…

 

Mismanagement, neglect, or Fate?

Disasters still accumulate

On-line news beeps in our phones

No privacy – just think of drones…

 

Conspicuous consumption peak

As Black Friday lasts all week!

I opt out – I forego mainstream

I watch the leaves fall and I dream …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Both events happened on 26th November, 2025 with extensive loss of life ... 150 people died in Hong Kong.

Hostage Aftermath

 With the hostages released

More food trucks now come through:

Fragile overtones of peace!

Will hope be born anew?

 

But we must still be wary;

With debris swept aside

Rebuilding will be scary;

Ahead - a rough, rough ride…

 

I’m not one for predictions

 But let’s keep fingers crossed

A warmer glow seeps through the smoke,

Perhaps not all is lost.

 

Ways and means and compromise

Will weave a lifestyle new

Though goalposts in this crucial game

 Risk being altered too…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Journalists in Jeopardy

All summer, many friends are quiet

Elsewhere: earthquake*, war and riot!

Brave journalists risk life and limb

World daily dramas to phone in.

 

Some die** in war zones – it’s so sad;

Repressive measures, iron-clad,

Mean independent news is rare;

Who now to tell the truth will dare?

 

“Jaw-Jaw not War-War” still prevails

As few are those who furl their sails;

They claim to suffer from cold feet

But promise sanctions when they meet!

 

Do I speak for others when I write?

Life is more than black and white;

The hand of politics is dire

And yet, to peace we all aspire …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Afghanistan on 31st August, 2025.

Many dead and injured ...

** on 25th August - 5 journalists targeted.

Under the Clouds

What shall I write about today?

Terence Stamp* has passed away

A heartthrob of our younger years;

Meanwhile, Alaska** heightens fears.

 

Scattered snippets found on line

Which catch our eye from time to time

As fires*** rage in distant lands

And throw a spanner in our plans.

 

That’s it, you see, the Great Unknown:

Real life beyond our mobile phone

Which gives complacency a shake

With hurricane and strong earthquake.

 

We yearn for peace but invoke war

We try to even up the score…

High level meetings to take place

Where Doves and Hawks come face to face ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Terence Stamp (1938 - 17/8/25) who starred in Billy Budd, The Collector and several Pasolini films in the 1960s  - not to mention The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert ...

** Chosen for summit between DJT and VP

*** in Portugal, Spain, Greece and B.C. Canada

A Mixed Palette of News

Let’s think back; in the last few days

We have sweltered in heat haze

Riedlingen train crash – three souls dead

Cambodia/Thailand border – red!

 

Food trucks arrive on Gaza strip

Trump’s trade tariffs take a dip

Satirist Tom Lehrer’s passed

Ozzie Osbourne’s breathed his last…

 

True, friends on holiday, have fun

But for the rest of us, it’s rum

Now heavy rain cleans Monday’s slate

So, what have we to celebrate? 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Notes: 27th July: S.W. Germany: Riedlingen train crash caused by overflowing sewage shaft which caused a landslide. 41 people injured.

Tom Lehrer brilliant US satirist, famous in 1950s-1960s (1928 - 26th July, 2025)

John Michael Osbourne, known as Ozzie, leader singer of heavy metal group "Black Sabbath" (1948 - 22nd July, 2025)

A Smattering in June

So much depends on how we feel

We wonder with A.I. - what’s real?

No Government in Belgium still …

Graz school suffers over-kill …

 

Heat wave promised this week end

While Gaza residents must fend

For themselves – since aid is scarce;

Deep sorrows for my daily verse.

 

More famous deaths: Sly Stone this week

And should we of poor Fabian speak?

On this day “E.T.” appeared;

That he captured hearts was weird…

 

Our longest evenings are in sight

There’s talk of Strawberry Moon tonight …

Haphazard thoughts caught in mid-flow

But what this means, we cannot know.

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

9th June: death of Sly Stone, US singer (b. 1943)

10th June: Shooting in Graz school - 11 dead, 

11th June: Strawberry moon 

Steven Spielberg's science fiction film  came out  on June11th, 1982

April 6th - a Meditation

April 6^th – and it’s still cold

Though daffs and aconite unfold

Their golden loveliness with pride;

I shiver as I step outside.

 

How can I cheer you all today,

As politics is dressed in grey?

I muse; how was it, years ago?

Perhaps my memory is slow…

 

King Death roams in disparate places

The Middle East put through its paces …

But each day offers a new slate!

We can choose to love - or hate;

 

Ripe age brings wisdom, old folks say;

So, as Spring sports its best display

And social media causes stress,

Perhaps a walk in sun is best …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Flowering Aconite 

A Time for Peace?

At last, some good news to report,

It is, you might say, centre court,

We dare to read between the lines

Of a six-week truce that binds.

 

The Middle East, in all its glory

Has Nations each with stormy story;

Some speak of discord or of war

Both are terms we can’t ignore.

 

Now in the air float thoughts of peace

And for hostages – release.

Politics - a restless game;

For many, life won’t be the same …

 

Folks, we’re flotsam on life’s flow

The future is not ours to know

But has common sense prevailed?

Fingers crossed; we’re not derailed…

(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

The Underside of Christmas

It’s Christmas Day; now let me see

If I can play a part

Around the world my rhymes run free

But will they touch your heart?

 

I think of those who are alone

Or miss a loved one dear

Or those displaced who have no home

And live in constant fear…

 

To them bright lights and tinselled joy

May have a hollow sound

While others welcome God’s small boy

With shepherds all around ...

 

A time of excess, bonhomie

In which small kids delight

Around a baubled Christmas Tree

While those who grieve sit tight …

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Musing at the Cenotaph

The cenotaph – an empty tomb

In which a Nation’s lost souls bloom

A poignant symbol all agree

Of futile deaths in lands called “free” …

 

Signed Treaties reneged, then unkept;

Countless widows who have wept;

Man’s failure to maintain the peace

Reminds us War is on long-lease…

 

Conflicts blight our news today:

Heartless drones the bold, smart way!

Though pretexts vary down the years

Every time we shed more tears …

 

At stake – vast oil or water deals

Land acquisition, faith ideals.

So, Injustice furls its banner high

War ignites and brave men die …

 

Global warming’s a rough ride!

“To love one’s neighbour,” we should strive

But sadly, human nature’s flawed

It’s simpler to gird up our sword! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

The Cenotaph in Whitehall, London

Under Pressure ...

The pressure mounts, world tension rises

From Middle East come bad surprises;

Dried up is that pool of calm

Our ‘qui-vive’ blocked in mode ‘alarm’.

 

Does life, dear Readers, still make sense?

I would not wish to cause offence

But everywhere the newsreels turn

Lie harsh lessons we must learn…

 

Injustice, violence and crime

Upset our joie de vivre – big time

Horrors roll out and increase;

Where can poor souls now find peace?

 

Good news rarely makes the cut;

As fear and drama and bad luck

Beset our human kind in waves

Conclusion: no one now behaves…

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Where Women Glow!

My Muse goes AWOL* in the heat

When every day the sun I greet

I try but fail to find new themes

Is this what retirement means ?

 

With ne’er a cloud in peerless sky

All laundry in no time is dry

While aircon hums like sleepy bee

I just read books or make Mum tea.

 

« News Breakfast » TV : Middle East

Humanitarian needs increase ;

Here in Oz sharp rental hike

Disgruntled Aussies go on strike !

 

Moisturising body cream

Protects and adds a vital sheen

So, why wear make-up in this heat ?

Beware gnarled cracks in sandalled feet !

 

Slow pace of life in torrid times

Where loose clothing now defines

The Southern chic so, I obey;

Forgotten - winter’s northern grey !

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* acronym - Absent With Out Leave

View from the Antipodes

Back in Australia one more time

I customize my ears to Strine

Whose words truncated and locution

Lead to amusement and confusion.

 

With floods near Cairns, “Mud Armies” strive

To pick up goods left at kerbside

As sofas, fridges, tableware

Are damaged far beyond repair!

 

Down in New South Wales, it’s worse

Incipient bushfires are a curse

Roads are blocked by walls of flame

But Acts of God no one can blame.

 

Rescue teams are activated

Insurance agents inundated

Claims for compensation rise

While each gallant neighbour tries

 

To lend a hand in time of need

But power cuts fast work impede;

The festive spirit starts to fray

As well-wrapped gifts are washed away…

 

Economic downturn in NT*

Sees empty shops in CBD**

As leases fail to be renewed

Given high costs now for food.

 

But world focus stays on Middle East

With hope for fragile Yuletide peace

While in the Gaza Strip more die

Under drone and rocket sky…

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

*    In Darwin, Northern Territory

** Central Business District

 

This Time of Trial

What a year it’s been – all fits and starts

Disasters  - causing broken hearts

As climate change comes to the fore;

Old Greek God Ares threatens war…

 

Ukraine’s young people bear the brunt

Of Man’s folly at the Front;

In Venezuela tension rises

As land disputes provoke grave crisis...

 

So, I conclude good news is rare

With ideals crumbling everywhere

As Injustice, Poverty, Starvation

All make unwelcome visitation.

 

The poet on the sideline stays

With saddened but perceptive gaze

Reflecting on life’s ups and downs;

How hollow Christmas cheer now sounds …

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

 

Angst at Dawn

It’s the uncertainty that weighs

On our hearts and souls these days

The hollow echoes of sad voices

Faced with scary nightmare choices.

 

A distant rumbling as mass hordes

Make moves south as time affords;

Disruption as supplies run short …

Has history no lessons taught?

 

Meanwhile, the God Angst reigns supreme;

We pray that this is a bad dream

But will brave diplomats prevail?

Thoughts of peace crawl, like a snail …

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

A Sense of Unease

More rumbles in the Middle East

As tremors threaten fragile peace

Revenge, distrust, flare-ups, disorder

Israeli troops amass on border.

 

Fabled Jerusalem, twin-souled

For Jew and Arab faiths - pure gold;

Those land disputes have rankled long

To whom do territories belong?

 

Deadly rockets wend their way …

Alas, this is no Guy Fawkes day

Unlucky children lose their lives

Such news is dire – but no surprise …

 

A test for Biden*; laisser-faire

Is quite the wrong approach – beware

Each day sees deaths and escalation

As cracks appear in this key nation.

 

The Premier has his work cut out

Who in this drama has most clout?

As the embers of this latent fire

Are lit by sparks along the wire …

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

* Joe Biden US President

Israeli-Gaza Conflict  since 10th May, 2021

Map showing Gaza Strip

 

A Political Move - or Two?

The US Embassy on the move
Does Israel see this path as smooth?
From Tel Aviv, the Mount of Spring;
Does Jerusalem have a better ring?

So often hitting headline news
The Gaza Strip has other views
Peace-keeping always a tall order
As protests rise along the border.

At the Eurovision, Israel wins
Could these two events be twins?
Pundits sit upon the fence
But surely – no coincidence ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

World Cup Day - Plus One!

The news today on all the stations
Is crowned by German jubilations
This year’s Mannschaft takes the Cup
And the Berlin crowds all lap it up!

The Gaza Strip takes second place
The victims mount – it’s a disgrace
The blue star in the Middle East
Fights shy of a lasting peace.

What a world we live in – it’s gone mad
That football reigns is very sad
The things that matter are neglected
Belgium’s Government – not selected!

It should be warm as it’s July
But the sun has teardrops in its eye
Could our frivolity be the cause?
Who knows – but maybe we should pause …

(c) Poet in the woods 2014

13th July: Germany beats Argentina 1 - 0 in extra time