Down to a T!

 Life is, as always, full of risk

We teeter on a precipice

As Taiwan, island in far sea

Hits the headlines, malgré lui …

 

Someone, somewhere, takes the lead

As chips* fulfill a worldwide need;

When politics rears up its head

Many sleep ill in their bed…

 

I speak in riddles once again:

This “global warning” causes strain.

Will ripples from this contretemps

Affect the status quo, ‘ere long?

 

This gentle word-play veils a threat

Which spreads its wings on internet …

This visit - cut-short it is true -

Stirs the bird’s nest soup** anew…

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

* The world's cutting-edge, silicon semiconductor chips are manufactured in Taipei..

** an age-old Chinese delicacy

 

 

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