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)

The Everlasting Beach Boys!

Lead singer, bold and debonaire

With innovative lyric flair

Brian Wilson hit the spot

His ‘Good Vibrations’ is still hot!

 

Surfing, beaches, USA …

Epitomising dream heyday

Those handsome Beach Boys timed it right

With optimism at its height!

 

‘California Dreaming’, ‘Sloop John B’,

Foot tapping ‘Barbara Ann’ got me!

‘Twas another time and place …

America with sunshine face.

 

This hedonistic youth pulse - gone

But ‘Wouldn’t it be nice’ lives on

Still captured in a time-warp phase;

Today’s U.S. lives troubled days…

 

His shooting star long shadows cast

But we haven’t seen the last

Of Brian’s genius which still flows

My silent thought: "God Only Knows"…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Brian Wilson (1942- 2025) died June 11th,  aged 82

Vatican Vacancy

The Faithful so admired this Pope

To whom the conclave gave their vote;

His was an unexpected voice

But time has proved him a wise choice.

 

He showed great care for the world’s poor

Was to other Faiths an open door

He warmed the hearts of those he met

Pope Francis – we cannot forget.

 

On Easter Sunday he was there,

In Papal white robes and wheelchair.

Though faint of voice he blessing gave

Hosanna crowds made friendly wave!

 

But his health at eighty-eight

Was failing and had caused debate;

For five weeks it was touch and go

His recovery was slow.

 

Back from the clinic, hopes were high

Our Argentinian still seemed spry;

But this euphoria soon took flight

As his soul departed at first light.

 

Many, engulfed in deep sorrow,

Can pay their last respects tomorrow;

This good man will be much missed

Who will continue sacred tryst?

 

The Vatican must soon recall

Its Cardinals to voting hall.*

Of church reform there is great need

Rome’s shepherd must be up to speed…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* aka the Sistine Chapel

 

 

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

Some Frosty Thoughts

 Another blank page stares at me

Friends are busy, no one's free

Clouds hide the springtime sun from me

I’m feeling glum;

In politics, the outlook’s bleak;

Young Belgian actress* died this week:

“Rosetta’s” star swept off her feet

Her life half done…

 

Embarrassed, Belgium has to face

The fact no Government’s in place

Since June last – it’s a disgrace!

Surreal indeed;

Roadworks continue on “The Ring”

In this cold snap, what price Spring?

More talk of armaments is grim;

Today’s News feed …

 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Emilie Duquenne 1981 - 16.3.2025

For Dolly Parton

 News flash!  The ending of a dream;

How sad for she who sang “Jolene”:

Death of her soul mate called Carl Dean

At eighty-two…

Though she has garnered worldwide fame

Her “Nine to Five” won’t be the same…

Now Dolly Parton’s long, long reign

Is tinged with blue.

 

This backwoods gal found love and care

From discreet husband, always there

Though never would he limelight share;

She stole the show!

As her career takes up first place

She lives life at a cracking pace

Not adding to the human race;

Hard choice, I know.

 

We think of her with piled-up hair

Hour-glass figure, in the glare

Of the spotlight, standing there

So self-assured;

But now the task that lies ahead

Is wrapped around with broken thread

As he with whom she was long wed

Is with the Lord…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

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

The Magic Gene!

A commemoration wall with plaque:

St. John’s quaint brick-built church stands back

From winding road in leafy glade

Not far from sun-filled Adelaide.

 

It’s here we laid dear Dad to rest

His ashes strewn where plaques attest

The many souls who’ve passed away;

Where Isabella stands today…

 

Though six, born far too late to know

Her Granddad, who’d have loved to show

In long bush walks, his knowledge vast

A nature lover to the last …

 

But born far back - 1918,

With generation span extreme,

That vital link could not be made …

Though memory reels are often played …

 

Her Auntie has one fervent wish

Concerning Granddad – it is this:

Dad was a poet, as am I;

Will Isabella one day try …

 

To express her thoughts in rhyme?

She can write, so it is time

To see if down our family tree

This talent she will share with me!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

St. John's Anglican Church - in the Adelaide Hills

 

R.I.P. Dame Maggie Smith (1934-2024)

Minerva McGonagall is no more!

On Violet Crawley we can’t call

Though Grantham’s pile remains on view

With dialogues which still ring true!

 

Our Maggie sparkled from young age

In no time made her mark on stage

This star was born with humour sharp

Her sense of timing a fine art!

 

Acting royalty – whose roles

Thrilled indeed, so many souls;

Proving when you have a gift

Who cares if your name is Smith!

 

Miss Jean Brodie’s strident tones

As she Spain's Civil War condones

Brought her an Oscar and film fame;

Then a second Oscar* she could claim!

 

Top of the tree, her name in lights

For countless years she us delights;

Now, though I hear she’s passed away

Her spirit soars through wreathes of grey…

(c)  Poet in the woods  2024 

Died on 27th September, 2024, aged 89.    

* For California Suite (1979)

The Power of Memories

What memories do you recall?

Some Latin tag, etched on a wall?

Love letter penned by youthful hand?

Lyrics sung by Sixties’ band?

 

A catch phrase overused at school?

A reprimand unjust and cruel?

Somehow, and we don’t know why

Memories bring back times gone by.

 

Heard out of context, they still spark

Deep feelings hidden in our heart

Perhaps a dear friend passed away

Yet we can hear her words today.

 

We try to keep on even keel

But cannot control how we feel

Such memories can hit us hard

Perhaps that’s why I am a Bard! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

R.I.P. Alain Delon (1935-2024)

 French heartthrob - Sixties generation!

Young Alain Delon tried the patience

Of parents – so was fostered out;

His life was restless, plagued with doubt…

 

Raw talent – saved from life of crime

Lured by the Movies just in time

Courted, loved, admired, respected

Soon by Louis Malle directed.

 

Then Jean-Luc Goddard, Antonioni

Propelled to fame this one and only!

See Visconti’s: “Rocco and his brothers”

And a kaleidoscope of others!

 

Although untrained, his star soon rose

A whirl of actresses he knows!

He throws his love-net ever wider

But none compares with Romy Schneider!

 

“Un Flic”, “The Leopard”, “Purple Moon”,

 For this sex symbol – ladies swoon!

A long career, a household name;

Then age took its toll – a shame…

 

Failing health, Légion d’Honneur;

In the background - always there

Until his death* at eighty-eight;

Let’s sum him up in one word: great!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

 * on 18th August, 2024 at Douchy-Montcorbon, France.

Tricks of Memory

Time filters through our hands like sand

Feelings by life’s winds are fanned

At times an image re-appears

Evoking laughter, thought or tears …

 

A childhood drama, accident

Or maybe passionate event

Is conjured up and never dies;

What prompts it? Who knows?  A surprise!

 

Our ego plays tricks on our mind

These can be pleasant or unkind

We feel upset - or on a roll;

Our “grey cells” way out of control…

 

A person* whom we used to know

Whose friendship set our hearts aglow

Arouses thoughts quite bitter-sweet;

His stage performances unique…

 

Buried deep, such ghosts arise

Emotions catch us, flood our eyes

We relive moments in our past

And realise life goes by too fast …

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* In Memory of Peter Welch, (né Pierre Willems), Belgian jazz musician (27th March, 1947 - 9th June, 2024)

Funeral held on 19th June, 2024

R.I.P. Françoise Hardy (1944-2024)

Parisian Françoise-Madeleine

In Yé-Yé times a household name

In Swinging Sixties caught our mood;

Her lilting lyrics would intrude

 

In youth’s bright sunrise and new wave;

She knew how boys and girls behave!*

Temps de L’amour tripped off her tongue;

No wonder she was Number One!

 

With Johnny’s ** rock and Hardy’s voice

French Jeunesse was spoilt for choice!

Her records hit the spot and sold

Like Midas, much she touched turned gold.

 

Long hair, long love affair with Jacques*** …

Post baby Thomas, she came back

She sang of friendship and lost youth;

Her lyrics held that ring of truth…

 

Today, by chance, the sad news came

We shall not see her like again;

A much-loved icon, she imparts

The spirit of a time long past…

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* Tous les Garçons et les Filles (June 1962)

* *Johnny Halliday (died 2017)

*** husband singer Jacques Dutronc

(17th Jan 1944 - 11 June, 2024)

May 14th - in History

On this day, in times long past:

French King Henry breathed his last

As Ravaillac’s blade his lights put out*;

The State of Israel came about:

 

New country formed in ‘48

Amid fierce Middle East debate;

The Warsaw Pact** was signed and sealed:

Realpolitik - Cold War revealed!

 

Space Race: high-tech, Land of the Free

Saw Skylab launched in ‘73

And someone of whose name you’ve heard

Birth of Facebook’s Zuckerberg***!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* King Henri  IV 1610

** 1955

*** Mark Zuckerberg born 1984

Mike - In Memoriam

Memories surface – I recall

His lilting voice, its rise and fall;

Generous to a fault, he’d share

His time and wine; my man had flair!

 

With French and German quite at home

His diplomatic skills - well honed

His travel schedule – often tight

But presence on stage - a delight!

 

A Scorpio optimist with charm

Proud to have me on his arm

On this, his birthday, I recall

For twenty years we had a ball…

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

MC: 16th November, 1937 - 4th January, 2005

R.I.P. Jane Birkin (1946-2023)

With her willow shape, dishevelled hair

Antonioni saw Jane's flair,

Her minor role as nude was seen

In “Blow Up”* on the Sixties screen…

 

Skip, hop and jump then move to France

With her accented French, new chance

A star encounter on the set

Of “Slogan”**; she and Serge connect!

 

“Je t’aime … moi, non plus” soon shocks

Censored - sell-outs in the shops!

Tumultuous - her life makes news:

Three loves, three daughters, France’s Muse!

 

England holds her for short while

A bit part in “Death on the Nile”***

But France had long become her home;

Macron’s “Adieu” has Gallic tone …

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

*  1967

**  1969

*** 1978

Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg

Juggling the News

I never know who reads my stuff;

These quirky thoughts, straight off-the-cuff

Just try to bring light to your day

As on-line news is often grey.

 

Politics, or rule by some,

Means looking down a smoking gun

While days and days of torrid heat

Mean a sea breeze is a treat!

 

Five millionaires get lost below.*...

Glastonbury’s famed rock show

Vibrates with life as Elton John**

Still wows his audience with song!

 

We plough through niggles that annoy …

It’s peaks and troughs, despair and joy;

Let’s try to make sense of the bits

In life’s jigsaw – pick and mix!

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

* Implosion of the OceanGate Titan Submersible on Journey to the Titanic on 18th June, 2023

** aka Reginald Dwight

Some Intimations of Mortality

More celebrities depart;

Some revered, close to my heart

With others who have made their name

In sport or Eighties TV game!

 

Screen idols, rock stars, commentators,

Humorous, late-night debaters

Men of State - at a vast age;

All exodus from the world stage.

 

To name but few: there’s Berlusconi

PM unique - the one-and-only

Whom Italy mourns in Milan

Known as the “Bunga Bunga” man!

 

Then Sixties’ actress Glenda J.

Whose roles in films blew us away

“Women in Love” to Hampstead seat:

Her volte-face is hard to beat!

 

Although their memory stays green

The flow is constant, it would seem

 As the sands run out as we advance;

A dizzy thought - long life is chance …

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

P.M. Silvio Berlusconi  (1936 - June 12th, 2023)

Actress Glenda Jackson (1936 - June 13th, 2023)