The Repurposed Box!

Though retired, not unemployed;

Auntie is quite overjoyed

When new family photos come …

My photogenic niece is fun!

 

Not jack-in-the-box – but Jill!

A nursery rhyme – a modern thrill

As Isabella is encased

With laptop and a smiling face!

 

You can’t stop progress, come what may

Her office, all-in-one today

Proves imagination thrives

And enhances mundane lives!

 

Fully plugged in, up to date,

The joy upon her face is great

But what she watches, I can’t see

I tiptoe off, and let her be!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Little Blessings

Do you count your blessings? I dare say

You take for granted life each day;

When things go wrong, as oft they do,

The French phrase - “C’est la vie!”  - rings true…

 

But when something good takes place

You just click on ‘smiley’ face!

I like to think this means I see

Small miracles occur – for free!

 

A book, lent long ago, comes home;

A pal turns up when you’re alone;

A fond track played on radio

Awakens memories – you glow!

 

You realise people mean so much

When long-lost friends get back in touch;

A compliment out-of-the-blue:

Eureka!  Someone esteems you!

 

O.K., We don’t know why we’re here

But when shown signs that friends care,

Our hearts vibrate with a new spark,

And banished are bleak moments dark!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Amazing (Mary Emily) Grace!

A poet who can’t find the words?

This is the weird thought that occurs

As when one’s Mum turns 1-0-3

What can I say, folks, but “Praise be”!

 

Superlatives don’t fit the bill;

In fragile health right now but still

My special Mum who held my hand

And kept me close till I could stand,

 

Who taught me what was wrong and right

Who picked me up and held me tight

When I fell and bruised a knee

Or lost a tooth on Christmas Eve…

 

Sharp memories which I hold dear;

Despite these passing years - quite clear…

This bond is precious and I feel

We are blessed with star-struck deal!

  

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

born 20th July, 1923

Doormat Delight!

How to keep in touch when far apart?

My two cute loves who warm my heart

Live, as they say, a world away

When summer’s here, their skies are grey…

 

There’s Internet and Facebook pages

But we haven’t talked for ages …

So, Auntie tries to bridge the gap

By sending postcards to doormat!

 

A tad old-fashioned, but this brings

Happiness to share such things;

My day trip to the Belgian coast

Provides marine views which I post!

 

Long walks on Aussie beach are cool

But there are no ships as a rule

So, Isabella holds my hand

While Thomas digs toes in the sand!

 

Snail mail of course will take its time

But this personal touch is mine;

When some scenic mail arrives

It comes, I hope, as fun surprise!

 

Both now read and relish learning;

And nothing beats a good page-turning!

And so, I strive with pen and ink

To forge with them my Belgian link!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Scenes of Nieuwpoort

 

The Art of Intrigue

To be ‘on song’, to catch one’s drift

Are concepts poets use with thrift;

Ideas conveyed which ‘hit the spot’

Evoke reactions, ‘stir the pot’…

 

In up to twenty lines, the theme

Must be à propos and clean,

Pertinent and to the point

So, noses aren’t knocked out of joint!

 

Hence, method in my madness rules

I observe life, watch top news reels

And try to capture in my net

A nugget which makes you connect!

 

And shucks, I’m flattered and amazed

How many of you* find my page;

Do I raise a smile or two

Or make you think? I hope I do!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* well over three million to date!

Angelic Verse?

She sits in a reflective mood

This little angel of our brood

My glasses perched on bridge of nose;

Perhaps an intellectual pose?

 

On her knees a notebook lies

She’s watched Auntie and she tries

To consider, pen in hand

The art of writing neatly scanned.

 

Sweet Isabella thinks it’s great

To play with words whose sounds relate;

An avid reader, she learns fast

Will she find rhyming a tough ask?

 

Believe it, or believe it not

She finds it fun to interlock

Jaunty words into a rhyme

At eight she does it, the first time!

 

Her theme? The family - that seems fair

A little ode to brother dear;

Though shaky, she has caught the spark

Which brings warm thrill to Auntie’s heart!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

April takes Flight!

April, hesitant, still shivers

But nonetheless green shoots delivers,

Seedlings, dandelions and weeds

Fight for space with new beech leaves.

 

How I love this time of year

When mists soon lift and skies are clear

Hedgerows burgeon and bird cries

With insects of all kinds, surprise.

 

Just now I glimpsed a butterfly

On purple buddleia nearby;

Its life, though short, graceful and free

I pause, this miracle to see…

 

The morning news affords no joy

Just spoon-fed to us hoi polloi

Broadcasts by those in-the-know

Continue, but the going’s slow!

 

The off-switch beckons – I obey!

These nature walks re-boost my day;

The warm rays of the sun delight

And set my trembling Muse alight!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

In Memory of a Fellow Writer ...

It’s when those younger than you, die …

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

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

For same-age friends – a tragedy …

 

Time does not stop for those in power …

Or those whose I.Q. can inspire,

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

The ticking clock is never still …

 

The Fates who snip our lifelong thread

Stand poised with scissors, straight ahead

We cannot see them - but beware

We intimate their presence near …

 

Immortality’s the creed of youth

And by those long-in-the-tooth;

We humans brush such thoughts aside

As life, we feel, is a long ride!

 

This week a much-loved, childhood friend

Whom we hoped the Fates would tend,

Slipped from our gaze despite our prayers

Beset no more by mortal cares…

 

Memories into focus come …

Why did he have to be The One?

He meant the world to near and dear;

How sad his absence leaves us here …

 

Admired, intelligent and smart

Since way back when he’s been a part

Of the creative spark we shared;

I hope he knows how much we cared … 

Poet in the woods 2026

For B.M. (24.2.1949 - 20.4.2026)

The Potency of Yellow!

Is yellow April’s vibrant theme?

Bold dandelions poke through spring green

Primrose and pansies grace our sills;

See Brussels iris, daffodils!

 

Our morning egg has golden heart

Reminding us of a new start

Too late to be an Easter chick …

We spread our toast with butter thick.

 

Mists evaporate in sun

Whose potent orb bathes everyone

In a glow on work-day ride;

Nature, for once, on our side!

 

Hence, yellow is my theme today

Nature’s optimistic way

To give us energy and light;

It fuels my muse and keeps it bright! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Yellow Irises - the symbol of Brussels

Isabella's Hat-Trick!

All unbeknownst, my hat is stolen!

Once again, the camera’s rollin’

As Isabella plans her pose;

Picture-perfect; she just knows!

 

Mummy’s taste in clothes is sweet

Today, the blue dress looks a treat

So Auntie simply can’t resist

Her niece’s smile – warm and sun-kissed!

 

It reminds me of time long ago

When the pace of life was slow

 And “Miss Pear’s” Soap ads* caught our eye

Skin care luxury to try!

 

We marvel at our feisty Miss

Who puts on fashion a new twist;

My old, worn sunhat looks brand-new

Thanks, of course, to you-know-who!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* These ads were popular from 1958 ...

 

Auntie is Challenged!

 'Hands-on’ Auntie in this heat

Struggles to keep calm and sweet!

With interruptions on the go

Private time is a no-no!

 

Surveillance switch remains full on

Now that Mum and Dad are gone,

Enjoying each in their own way

Time off - a blessing they both say!

 

We’re on the spree, fun shopping trip;

Uneven pavement; small feet slip!

Responsibilities soon set

As gnarled tree roots present a threat!

 

Isabella holds my hand

While Thomas, proud - almost a man

Shows that he can take control

Of shopping trolley – thoughtful soul!

 

This addition to my repertoire

Is filled with joy and can inspire

A range of Aussie patterns new

Perhaps indeed, an ode or two!

 

My childhood memories are sieved …

Strange recalling lost youth lived;

But modern times mean A.I. tools

Fast forward needing on-line rules!

 

Clear discipline remains a must;

As adults we must earn kids’ trust:

Be firm, stay friendly, climb new ropes

So, they will learn to cope – one hopes!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

 

Our Capricorn Lad turns Twelve!

 In my Memory Bank I delve ...

Thomas hits the skids at twelve!

Still boyish in so many ways

Cup-stacking* is his latest craze.

 

A Scouts award with friends around

His maths potential – sharp and sound

Primary school now left behind

With a smart uniform to find!

 

An Aussie sport he too likes best

Is cricket and “The Ashes” test!

He cultivates his own world view;

How many hoops will he jump through?

 

Next term he’ll take the train to school

This independence he finds cool!

So, how should Auntie this date mark?

With a day trip to Adventure Park!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* a fast-paced sport where individuals or teams rapidly stack and unstack specially designed plastic cups into predetermined sequences (like pyramids of 3, 6, or 10 cups) as quickly as possible, requiring high levels of hand-eye coordination, focus, and fine motor skills. 

Thomas - at 12!

 

 

Isabella turns Eight!

Today, whom do we celebrate?

Isabella - who turns eight!

Her interest in science grows;

She loves to show off what she knows!

 

Sharp intellect and caring soul

Will medicine become her role?

She checks on Granny’s hearing aid;

Are daily pills on table laid?

 

Her altruistic attitude

In one so young, reflects smart mood,

A lively lass whose heart is fond;

Age does not matter – just warm bond!

 

She senses when care is required

And shows concern when Granny’s tired…

This maturity is new

Huge age gap - Gran is 1-0-2!

 

A nurse? A doctor? Who can tell?

This noble trend is shaping well.

For now, though, she’s content to be

Our curious little love, still twee!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

On Gratitude

With the festive season in full swing

For those who live alone, it’s grim;

For many injured the bell tolls,

We pray for Sydney’s gunned-down souls* …

 

Blog comments pop up – but are rare

Thanks for showing that you care;

This is making links big time

I am touched you like my rhyme.

 

With privacy in pride of place

I understand you leave no trace

Of who you are, from whence you came

But I’m flattered all the same.

 

Which brings me to today’s main theme

On gratitude shown through a screen

It means I’ve touched you in some way

So, thank you – you have made my day.

 

The future is not ours to know

But kindness helps us all to grow

So, my thanks for words of praise

Which in this selfish world – amaze!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

On December 14th, 15  were shot and many injured oat a Hanakkah event on Bondi Beach by 2 gunmen, one of whom died at the scene.

An Ode to Postcards

On-line links may cause debate

They steal our time, our lives dictate;

On scary Dark Web deals are done

As for clickbait - we succumb …

 

This virtual world now rules our lives;

For banking this may well be wise

But nothing beats the personal touch;

I love this way to keep in touch!

 

These unexpected pleasures real

Influence the way I feel;

Shucks! Someone ‘out there’ took the time

To personalise kind thoughts and sign!

 

Handwritten notes are fun to see;

A postcard, although rare, can be

Harbinger of a dear friend’s news …

Old ways are best, so I enthuse!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Late Afternoon Walk

We venture out, our scarves wrapped tight

Dogs and owners hove in sight;

By rough-hewn logs, we watch them pass

Intent upon their daily task…

 

The misty sun outlines beech trees

Whose leaves gyrate in autumn frieze;

This “golden rain” lights up my muse

A healthy crunch felt under shoes!

 

Sometimes, a jogger ambles by

With face determined, hair awry

Or couples, hand in hand, sedate

Lost to the world on private date…

 

Dark shadows lengthen – it is dusk

The wood holds no one else but us;

Bold street lights beckon through the trees…

We treasure moments such as these!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Drève de Bonne Odeur, Boitsfort

R.I.P. Dame Patricia Routledge (1929-2025)

There is nothing I could name

Who so deserves the Dame

That our lass of Birkenhead

Won hands down; her talent spread

 

Through Old Vic theatre and TV ;

How we loved her repartee

Born of gritty Northern roots

Her acting had us in cahoots !

 

BAFTA win with  ‘Talking Heads’

Then with Richard, whom she weds

Hyacinth blows us away

With how she says her name : Bucket!*

 

Class-ridden Britain well portrayed

With wit she tries to make the grade

And elevate her humble station ;

Her Hetty Wainthropp – a sensation !

 

Patricia Routledge - household name

Has so many claims to fame …

Appearances no longer kept:

A rich life lived - the Nation wept …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Pronounced Bouquet

Richard and Hyacinth in "Keeping Up Appearances"

in which she starred wih actor Clive Swift.

She died on 3rd October, 2025 at 96.

A Step out of Time

That the world’s gone mad we know

Perhaps it always has been so?

With Internet, Chat GPT

And Instagram, it seems to be

 

A world of turmoil and upset

Ducks-in -a-row we cannot get!

We ponder on life’s mysteries:

And search the damned wood through the trees…

 

Meditation moments loom;

I search for light amid this gloom …

Autumnal colours cheer my heart

With rich variety and spark …

 

We’re only given one life each;

Whether long or short, we reach

With outstretched hands to grasp

Its fleeting wonders as we pass …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

The Mystified Poet

High spikes on blog graph I see

You fuel my poet’s mill

I don’t know how you find me

But it’s always a big thrill!

 

Perhaps you daily surf or scroll;

Do keywords make you pause?

This is,  I feel, the poet’s role

To attract – without applause …

 

I dabble in a myriad themes

But keep my topics light;

Political events it seems

Make YOU out there – alight …

 

Upon my blog which you peruse

For an instant in your day;

But who you are I have no clues

Most live so far away!

 

My inspirations gently flow

As life affords us much;

Now “on-line” is the way to go

So let us keep in touch!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Every Dog must have His Day!

Man’s Best Friend, his loyal hound

Who greets his master with a bound

And wagging tail, when he comes home

Deserves a special day – his own.

 

I see on Internet this date*

When Doggy Lovers celebrate

Their faithful Fidos with a treat;

It’s of World Dog Day I speak!

 

As I live by forest glade

Canines of all breeds parade

Past kitchen window every day;

Man and beast form live display!

 

Intent upon their daily task

To answer call of nature fast,

Up steep hill they come and go

In rain or shine, hail, wind or snow …

 

At times they bark, so I look out;

Determined owners must wield clout

Obliged to keep them on tight rein:

A case of who leads who – again!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* 26th August