On Failure and Success

If you don’t succeed: Try!  Try again!

Think Robert-the-Bruce (of spider fame)*;

Success cannot come soon enough

We live and learn as life is tough.

 

Think of small kid who tries to walk

Towards his parent, but distraught,

He can’t manage it first go

Lacking balance, down he’ll go!

 

His little legs won’t take the strain …

He wobbles and falls down – again

Until one day he gets the knack

Sure-footed now – no turning back!

 

Failure breeds success we’re told

Through repetition, we grow bold

Such lessons echo down the years;

The Black Prince had to earn his spurs!**

 

This callow youth, heir to the throne,

Found himself in battle thrown

Learning first hand in the fight

How to be a perfect knight!

 

Being patient is the key

No one’s lives are error-free

Determination makes us strong

And some extremists earn a gong! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* 14th century legend of the King's perseverance watching a spider at work....

* * Aged 16, the Prince fought in the Battle of Crécy in 1346.

The black prince so named aftet the colour of his armour!

He did not become king because he died a year before Edward III in 1376 ...

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 Quandary in June!

My blank screen glares, gives me a fright

What to write to make things bright?

The sun is sulking and displays

No intention to beam rays!

 

Rain-filled clouds, be-puddled streets

My urge to take a walk depletes …

For office workers – no big deal

They can’t know how lone souls feel …

 

Post breakfast, we oft scan the skies

Fingers-crossed for warm sunrise

Our spirit soars when we see flowers …

But lately all we get are showers!

 

As Brussels has vast cultural flair

Its exhibitions are ‘hors pair’;

I dress up warm, go out front door

What new theme can I explore?

Again it’s windy - but no rain

So, best foot forward – my refrain;

For football fans, their ' tasse de thé’

The Munich Euro match* - today!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* Scotland against Germany - at the Allianz Arena Munich

Result: Germany: 5 Scotland: I

  

An August Grouse

The Glorious Twelfth! Let grouse beware

As beaters gather, guns prepare …

Man’s love of hunting never ceases

The quest for ivory increases

 

Elephants on the rampage

Their habitat cut down in swathes;

Crop spraying decimates the bees

Dame Nature brought down to her knees...

 

Maui Island loses hope

All of Lahaina* up in smoke

The death toll rises – 89

Migrants die at sea – big time…

 

Each chapter this month spreads more gloom:

The silent elephant in room ...

While plastic waste our oceans chokes…

It’s time indeed to wake up, Folks! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

* On the N.W. coast of Maui, Hawaii

Wild grouse in the Scottish heather

The elephant in the room ...

Scotland in Brussels!

Now, whom shall I guide today

Or will the rain keep guests at bay?

Clouds are Belgium’s well-known trait

So, to Saint Rita* we must pray.

 

The cobbles help absorb the flow

But with umbrellas guides must go

As they weave legends with quaint facts

To keep their audiences on track!

 

Five “lads” from Scotland in one group

Plied me with questions and would stoop

To making witty repartee …

Trying to catch me out – you see.

 

But this time, she-must-be-obeyed

The plans of mice and men** delayed

As St. Andrew’s flag was carved in stone

A sign perhaps of Home Sweet Home?

 

Sablon, Marolles and Villers Street;

A cannonball***– great French defeat!

All rounded off with beers and frites;

A nicer group I’ve yet to meet!

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

Minerva statue in the Sablon - erected by Thomas Bruce in 1751

* Rita di Cascia (1381-1457) Roman Catholic patron saint of desperate causes

** Rabbie Burns (1759-1796)

*** In Villers Street - above a doorway

A Last, Sad Journey

Through rolling hills, a long last drive,

Where roads and hedgerows come alive

As many watch the cavalcade

With Royal Standard on parade.

 

Lead-lined in oak - today she lies

On view to Scotland’s misty eyes

Escorted by the Princess Anne;

All catch a glimpse, as best they can.

 

Destination – Holyrood

Where Edinburgh’s populace stood

Castle outlined in bright sun

The drama felt by everyone…

 

The King*, meanwhile, takes all in hand;

The State funeral must be planned;

His reign will herald vistas new

The die is cast – what will he do? 

(c) Poet  in the Woods 2022

* Charles III

Queen Elizabeth II's coffin arriving at Holyrood.

Pageantry and Proclamation

What a week!  A change of reign

With young P.M. to take the strain;

Balmoral caught in spotlight rare

Aberdeenshire - world Press sphere!

 

Brief encounter -  Boris leaves

While Liz Truss from the Queen receives

The longed-for, coveted top role

On Tuesday; now those sad bells toll…

 

Fragile, but with will steadfast

Our Queen on Thursday breathed her last

All Royal plans in disarray

The Prince states he much feared this day …

 

Emotions flow at all time high

Charles, now King, will have to try

To mask his grief, accept his task;

At his age this is a Big Ask!

 

Cortège of cars, police escort

Outriders clear the traffic; brought

Back to London – rendezvous

With new P.M. - a wealth to do…

 

The reign of Charles III is proclaimed

With awesome pageantry arranged;

St. James’s Tudor Palace starred

Surrounded by the Coldstream Guard.

 

Trumpets, tabards, timeless poise

While cannon salvos are deployed;

William, now new Prince of Wales,

Considers what this role entails…

 

Charles makes his first impassioned speech

As protocol permits no breach

Between one monarch and the next;

Just time to wish him all the best!

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

London Bridge has fallen down!

Vast outpouring, sad, profound

The Elizabethan Age is through:

We grasp at straws; the shock brand-new …

 

Our rock, dependable and true

For many Nations – me and you;

Immutable, with twinkling eyes

Stewardship in human guise.

 

Noble, longest reigning Royal

70 years of honest toil

Admired – but also loved, revered

Her passing leaves us feeling scared …

 

Although her death was no surprise

Her absence affects many lives

Belovèd around the Commonwealth

She gave indeed much of herself.

 

Well-travelled, well-briefed, worldly-wise

Respected till the day she dies …

Her role as monarch proudly done;

She is perhaps the only one

 

Whose loss incurs such global grief;

Deep feelings circulate beneath

As her long reign draws to a close ...

Now, what the future holds, who knows?

 

Ex-Prince of Wales, now Charles the Third,

Means a ‘C’ change has occurred;

Balmoral - strewn with wreaths of flowers

Already battered by strong showers

 

As if the Heavens mourn her too …

Now Paradise hoves into view

Where Philip, who has gone before,

Will hold her hand tight evermore.

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

A Kiss in the Castle!

The faintest kiss - the deed is done

The reign of new Liz* has begun;

No sceptre, crown or Robes of State

Though the position carries weight…

 

Comparisons with Theresa May

Do not, perhaps, seem apt today

Though pundits toy with Mrs. T.**

The word is: “Let’s stand back and see”.

 

Boris makes his farewell speech;

What will his pithy mandate teach?

His witty repartee remains:

A helpful asset in fast lanes!

 

From Aberdeenshire, castle-bound

This chassé-croisé is profound;

The Queen at Ninety-Six, aloof

Observes the pudding, waits for proof!

(c) Poet in the Woods 2022

*Liz Truss - new P.M. on 6th September, 2022

(resigned on 24th October, 2022)

** Margaret Thatcher - P.M. from 1979-1990.

The Queen's last engagement and photo - taken at Balmoral, Scotland.

What Next?

Monday dawns in pale-blue mist

I punch the air with angry fist

As the erstwhile “nip” becomes a “bite”;

Donning thermals now seems right!

 

Did Glasgow’s COP* wield clout?

Carbon footprints aren’t ruled out;

Of fossil fuels, let us not speak

New declarations - stark and bleak…

 

The poet feels, at times like these,

We cannot see the woods for trees;

A major re-think is required:

Yet, no leaders seem inspired …

 

Rome was not built in a day;

Yet we hesitate to do away

 With cosy lifestyles fuelled by greed

Though we buy more than we need …

 

But global warming is no joke;

Greenhouse gases will provoke

Drought, crop failure, famine, fear

Which seem to worsen, year on year …

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

* COP 26

The Fall

Do watch your step! These fallen leaves

Are slippery and Nature grieves;

We sweep them up but every day

Breezes scatter more our way!

 

The atmosphere this autumn - tense

Politicians on the fence

Our planet cries out to be saved:

Myriad good intentions waived …

 

Participation – you-know-where …

Some countries absent – so beware!

Top brass and entourage make moan;

An aide-mémoire:  the world’s on loan!

 

Bites-of-the-apple: twenty-six*

In many fields - so much to fix

In essence we must pull together:

Just another dream endeavour?

 

Today’s youth are concerned and care

Will the cupboard soon be bare?

Yet many lobbies plump for gain 

To perpetrate their gravy train ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

*COP 26 Glasgow - 1-12th November, 2021

 

COP et al.

Brussels, Sunday: centre ville

Vast demonstration, if you will

As thousands, pent up with frustration,

March with banners from North Station.

 

Foregoing many sunny pleasures,

The masses clamour for new measures

To curb the speed of climate change

An iffy challenge to arrange…

 

Huge vested interests are at stake;

The electric car has yet to make

Sufficient impact on shrewd minds;

Higher fuel bills, troubled times!

 

As queues at forecourts impact travel

Supplies for UK’s food unravel;

Will Russia Europe’s needs still meet?

Flights over Taiwan – source of grief…

 

Keen travellers can return in scores

As Sydney bravely opens doors;

While Melbourne, cautious, stays locked-down

So, it’s tough to get around!

 

Tense fierce debates in Glasgow loom

Will COP* bring hope or gloom?

Alas, we have no crystal ball;

Let's pull together, one and all!

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

* = Conference of the Parties

Thoughts on the International Day of Peace

To uncertainty we all are prone

Via screen or mobile phone

There’s much that likes to jerk our chain

Tough situations to explain …

 

Social media swoops down low

On those who doubt the status quo

News items flash past, super-fast

Soon politicians are outclassed.

 

That life hangs by a thread, is true

Who will be next – me or you?

World stability a dream

Wars play out on mobile screen!

 

Our planet trembles; it is hurt

It is time our loins are gird

Glasgow’s summit – COP*

Will try to plan how things should be.

 

This Indian summer spreads new hope

As winter seems far off, remote;

A gentle lull in warm sweet air

But soon more dark clouds will appear!

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

* Conference of the Parties: Climate Change Conference 31st Oct - 12th November, 2021

The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.

World No Tobacco Day

Tobacco, hateful, noxious weed*

Brought to the Old World from the New

For which King James I* had no need;

As Walt Raleigh bought potatoes too!

 

Big plantations, smart new rave

With sugar cane, brand-new cash crop

Unwitting adjunct to slave trade

Which over time makes pink lungs rot …

 

1960s - link with Cancer made

All trendy advertising banned:

Shades of ‘Marlboro Man’ now fade

World No Tobacco Day’s at hand!

 

Please, can we have a smoke-free day

And make this health threat take a hit?

Why socialise in wreaths of grey?

The Finger on the Wall has writ!

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

* quotation - also James VI of Scotland!

 World No Tobacco Day on 31st May (since 1987)

 

Political Porridge?

Was BREXIT a good deal, or not?

New status - unloved by the Scot

Who voted, en masse, to remain

Steadfast on the E.U. train.

 

South of the border - other views

The close results made headline News!

Since dear Queen Anne they’ve formed a bloc;

Now independence fires the Scot!

 

This Thursday* marks the day to vote

Beware the SNP** - take note!

A plea for self-determination

Marks Scotland as a feisty nation!

 

Will the United Kingdom stand?

One referendum the flames fanned …

Determined, Scotland’s found its voice

Watch these elections - they have choice!

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

* UK National council elections

** Scottish National Party - one vote short of an overall majority

 

The Widow of Windsor

In unfamiliar black attired

Dead silence as the cannon fired

Windsor - shorn of foreign Press,

The Duke, who hated fuss, is blessed!

 

Neat lawn resounds with guardsmen’s paces

Subdued in grief, just thirty faces

“Jerusalem” moves heart and mind

And that Scottish piper was sublime …

 

Sober prayers from Windsor’s Dean

And the Archbishop – for the Queen

Who, both Head of Church and State,

Mourns the loss of lifetime mate.

 

Lone white bouquet, her last sad prize,

With Philip’s sword, on coffin lies

Poignant chapel choir farewell

Clockwork protocol, done well.

 

Outside, in sunlight, quiet discourse

No microphones, all seems unforced

The Family and the Firm united

On such a day much can be righted…

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

Funeral of Philip Duke of Edinburgh on 17th April, 2021 

at St. George's Chapel, Windsor

 

R.I.P. Prince Philip (1921-2021)

Nearly a century sublime!

A chapter ends at ninety-nine

He is no more, the Queen’s best friend

Her rock on whom she could depend …

 

Handsome Philip, Prince of Greece

Soulmate, much loved, now at peace

The ‘Palace bubble’ in dismay

Mirrors Windsor stones in grey…

 

A long life, lived out to the full

Philip would accept no bull;

Fine sportsman, who to new heights soared

With his “Duke of Edinburgh” Award.

 

Unsettled start to royalty

From balmy Corfu, forced to flee

Unsettled childhood, tough Scots school*

Naval Philip was no fool!

 

Post-war wedding, coronation

TV presenter to the Nation,

The Environment his keen concern

A leitmotif son Charles would learn.

 

Intrepid traveller, on the go,

Who always wanted more to know;

No diplomat, he liked to tease

But put those whom he met at ease…

 

Linguist, artist, engineer

Excelling in the polo sphere;

His crown of laurels he downplays

Lithe and fit till his last days…

The Nation now mourns with the Queen

As she reflects on what has been …

A Windsor chapel funeral planned

As social gatherings are banned.

 

But Philip never courted fuss

In many ways like one of us;

His actions enhanced countless lives;

His presence round the Queen survives…

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

* Gordonstoun

10.6.1921 - 9.4.2021

R.I.P. Sir Sean Connery (1930-2020)

Sad news today, lump in my throat,

Departure of a man of note

Who, for fifty years delighted

Fans worldwide and then got knighted!

 

Suave, iconic, slick James Bond

The guy who always got the blonde!

Spy rings crushed; villains despatched;

Sean Connery could not be matched!

 

With laid-back repartee and guile

Seducer with panache and style

Who captured hearts like butterflies,

In every daring enterprise…

 

Admired by millions and adored

Highest Academy Award

With recognition next to none:

Three Golden Globes, two BAFTAs won!

 'From Russia with Love’ and ‘Dr. No’

How poignant now to see Sean go

His gentle brogue floats through my mind

He was indeed, one of a kind!

 

‘Indiana Jones’, ‘Hunt for Red October’

‘The Untouchables’ – all gone - ‘tis over;

Connery, Scotland’s much-loved son

Didn’t quite make Ninety-One …

(c) Poet in the woods 2020

25.8.1930 - 31.10.2020

 

 

Not a Wash-Out!

Nightmares dog our social plans

In COVID times – lost and loose strands

Social happenings curtailed

'Mice and men'* once more disrailed...

Although we like to plan ahead

Spontaneity's not dead;

A girlfriend cannot make her date

An empty weekend looms – not great ...

Weighed down with shopping, all alone

A kind soul offers car lift home.

A bonus in these troubled times

Warm inspiration for my rhymes!

A Facebook invite comes my way

Concert and eats on Saturday?

Out of the blue – so I accept!

Long live friends – and Internet!

(c) Poet in the woods 2020

* Courtesy Scottish poet Rabbie Burns (1759-96) "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft a-gley".

Managing the Curve?

Nature bursts forth, Man retreats
Deer and foxes roam our streets
Those yesterday who felt unwell
Have caused our modest morgues to swell.

We pray the curve will flatten soon
Exodus en masse - sad tune ...
Dear neighbours, colleagues, family friends
Whose funeral rites no one attends...

Huge waves of sorrow flood our minds
Scant respect, just slow church chimes ...
No last goodbyes, no poignant wreath
No friends with whom to share our grief...

Fever, breathing compromised
Many battle for their lives
Hurried treatment, gloved and masked
Each nurse, too busy with her task...

Joy! Some make it - let's be fair!
But we can't let down our hair;
The Queen makes an impassioned speech
As her P.M.* is out of reach ...

Health Minister in Scotland quits
Hypocrisy? The label fits!
Marianne Faithful and Tom Hanks
Are now enrolled in COVID ranks...

Thirteen countries unaffected
Or is the virus undetected?
Trump's scepticism now is plain:
Our "normal" won't come back again ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2020

* Boris Johnson



Bergamo, Italy