April Fool's Day - News!

Huge earthquake shattered Myanmar:

Two thousand deaths at least so far

Its cry for help is quickly known

Aid rushes to disaster zone…

 

Meanwhile in France, the Far-Right flails

Embezzlement Le Pen derails

And in the film world we deplore

Dr. Kildare – now no more…

 

While Greenland, rarely in the news

Feels proud, defiant and abused!

From Outer Space, two souls romp home

From a nine-month stint – alone!

 

On social media: Belgian law

Means cigarettes now hide in store;

Perhaps when they are out of sight

The urge to smoke will not ignite?

 

Once more  - a pot pourri of news

On which you may hold trenchant views!

But this is how life is today

No April Fool, I’m sad to say!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Richard Chamberlain as Dr. Kildare

Touchdown on Mars!

NASA spreads its wings out wide

Seeking life on the Outside

Beyond the world we hold so dear

What the aim is, is not clear.

 

New high-tech probe makes it to Mars!

First pictures reach us via the stars

We see close to, what is remote

Top scientists take eager note!

 

The ‘Perseverance Rover’ lands

In rocky valley, barren sands

Its safe arrival makes the News

But gives rise to discordant views.

 

Meanwhile, our Earth, in dire straits

Serves War and Discord on our plates

In Myanmar and Middle East*

Starvation threatens without peace.

 

We plot and plan on Never-Never

But cannot get our act together;

The climate crisis gathers pace …

Why still invest in Outer Space?

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

* War in Yemen

Touchdown on Mars on 18th February, 2021

 

 

Roll Call on February 1st

The days roll by, a new month starts

February: short - with hearts!

Has much to promise, but with snow

Its entry in our lives is slow …

 

Youth unemployment, no vacations

Borders closed by many nations

In Myanmar - a coup d’état;

Have Hong Kong protests gone too far?

 

With health now put in pride of place

The US shows a kinder face

Though early days, Hope spreads its wings

Fingers crossed for brighter things!

 

BREXIT and price hikes increase;

Bushfires in Oz, earthquakes out East …

Hidden somewhere is good news

But as yet, I find no clues!

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

 

 

R.I.P. The Forces Sweetheart

Born while the First World War was raging
Her songs in World War Two engaging
Hearts and minds in Darkest Hours
Vera's voice had magic powers.

Performing at an early age
Just seven when first on the stage
E.N.S.A. wartime entertainer
Egypt, India, Burma* claim her.

Iconic song to troops fought over
Hoping for 'White Cliffs of Dover';
Who wasn't moved by that refrain
So bittersweet «We'll meet again»?

The Forces Sweetheart; O.B.E.
Active at Queen's Jubilee!
A last link with our time of trial
Yet living through her voice and smile.

At 103 the curtain falls
A sudden silence in the stalls ...
The Press makes much of Vera Lynn
The girl who really loved to sing ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2020

Dame Vera Lynn, née Welch: 20.3.1917- 18.6.2020
* Burma - now called Myanmar