End-of-August Meditation

What would happen if our inner voice

Fulfilled a wish, and it was choice?

World politics has gone astray

And changes rock the USA …

 

Fake News leads to wishful thinking

As Common Sense, our boat, is sinking...

The God of Wrath indeed holds sway

And sweeps more certainties away.

 

I wonder, do you catch my drift?

I play with metaphors and sift

What I see from what I know;

Life’s a game of chess, played slow.

 

Most humans worry, sit on fence;

‘I’m not involved’ - is their defence

But all of us a role must play

The immensity blows me away …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

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)

Brussels - the Green Apple?

In the Twenties horse race tracks

Brought in crowds along the flats;

‘Big Apple’ prizes named New York

Skyscraper way of life soon fraught…

 

Now Brussels has an Apple too

In Place Royale – of verdant hue!

It indicates, as you should know,

Magritte’s museum down below.

 

Another surrealistic touch

To Brussels buzz we love so much!

This painter’s codes perplex, amuse:

Bowler hats, weird lighting views.

 

Daily objects juxtaposed

Horses, veils and goodness knows!

Graphic artist, smart, effete

Artwork finely drawn – unique!

 

Most famous is that cloudlike bird!

His combinations are absurd

And yet they make us pause awhile…

Say what you will, the man had style!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

In Place Royale since October 2023

René Magritte (1898-1967) leader of the Surrealist Movement 

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

A Smattering in June

So much depends on how we feel

We wonder with A.I. - what’s real?

No Government in Belgium still …

Graz school suffers over-kill …

 

Heat wave promised this week end

While Gaza residents must fend

For themselves – since aid is scarce;

Deep sorrows for my daily verse.

 

More famous deaths: Sly Stone this week

And should we of poor Fabian speak?

On this day “E.T.” appeared;

That he captured hearts was weird…

 

Our longest evenings are in sight

There’s talk of Strawberry Moon tonight …

Haphazard thoughts caught in mid-flow

But what this means, we cannot know.

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

9th June: death of Sly Stone, US singer (b. 1943)

10th June: Shooting in Graz school - 11 dead, 

11th June: Strawberry moon 

Steven Spielberg's science fiction film  came out  on June11th, 1982

International Tea Day!

Seen on a Facebook post today:

A much-loved brew on proud display;

I speak in riddles once again

But do read on, and I’ll explain…

 

The International Day of Tea!

A May date* that will surely be

Commemorated round the clock;

Put on the kettle – make a pot!

 

Whether Indian or Chinese

Marco Polo** tried both these

The Silk Road traders brought it west

The “cup that cheers” remains the best!

 

Tea-clippers conveyed vast supplies

Soon fashionable, it still survives!

But British customs were ignored

So, Boston threw it overboard!***

 

In looseleaf form or square sachet

Aficionados love their thé

In mugs or dainty Chinese bowls

How it invigorates our souls!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* 21st May

** Venetian Marco Polo (1254-1324) - Grand voyager: 1271-1295

***The so-called Boston Tea party took place on December 16th, 1773

Movers and Shakers?

Our world seems such a busy place

With millions swarming in rat race

That though retired, I sense the strain:

Politics runs on tight rein!

 

A certain chap, I name no names,

A slew of tariffs now proclaims:

Unease leaks onto Internet;

Our fragile status quo is wrecked…

 

Trips across The Pond are fraught

Vespucci* tourists are distraught;

The wind of change kicks up a storm

Harbinger of a darker dawn …

 

It’s hellish hard to keep on track

As life moves on – no turning back…

In Rome – behold! A leader new

A chance for Virgin points of view? 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

*  Amerigo Vespucci (born 1454?, Florence, Italy - died 1512, Sevilla, Spain) was a merchant and explorer-navigator who took part in early voyages to the New World (1499 -1500 and 1501 - 02).

White Smoke Aftermath!

Let’s mix our metaphors again

Cardinals shuffle in fast lane

Black smoke from Sistine chapel rises …

Ballot votes can bring surprises.

 

All under eighty, 1-3-3

Scarlet-robed play wait-and-see

But in a mere two days ‘tis done

Robert Prevost is the one!

 

Post Francis no one had a clue

The winner spent time in Peru

Appointed to this sacred rank

We have common sense to thank.

 

In Chicago born and bred

Well-travelled, Augustinian-led

As Leo XIV he will reign

Bearing a reforming name!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

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

The Political Seesaw ...

Protection and free trade ignite

Polemics worldwide; we sit tight

As worried Macron holds the reins

All this, our nervousness explains.

 

A new riddle by this Bard

(Who finds that politics are hard;)

The stakes are high – we’re on the fence

Must we now finance our defence?

 

War is such an ugly word

But given now what has occurred

There is a joker in the pack

So sadly, there’s no turning back…

 

“If you want peace, prepare for war”!

Old Julius Caesar knew the score;

Each generation finds it tough

Once more, our ball rolls in the rough…

 

Will the power of words persuade?

We’re crisis-ridden and afraid;

Uncle Sam and Russian Bear

Flex their muscles – so beware!

(c) Poet in the woods 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

A Complete Unknown - Really?

Mitcham suburb,* trip by train

Film meet-up with good friend – again!

Remember Sixties’ Rolling Stone?

The title: “The Complete Unknown”.

 

This icon’s life we had to see!

Bob Dylan - now aged eighty-three

With just a guitar made his way

Up the Charts; how he could play!

 

Well thought-out lyrics buzzed the crowd

At Newport Festivals he wowed ...

His views on politics caused drama;

Won Nobel prize**, met with Obama!

 

By Woody Guthrie was inspired;

They met when Woody, old and tired

Could no longer speak, poor soul;

Pete Seeger helped him hone his role.

 

Imbued with independent streak

Duets with Joan Baez - a treat

Although a long way from mainstream

He exposed the fragile U.S. dream!

 

“The times they are a-changing” bites;

Bob dared to highlight human rights

New generations come on line

But his lyrics stand the test of time!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* South Australia

** in 2016 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature

January 9th - Snippets

Brussels – under snow and frost

While those in L.A. count the cost

Of fires that rage through trailer park

Inferno caused by tiny spark …

 

Yes, Nature rules! While Man looks on

Trees and homes flare up, soon gone

But there is good news around

An Aussie hiker lost – is found!*

 

Parkes’ ** Elvis festival takes place

Massed look-alikes put on brave face;

Though Elvis died at forty-two

His legacy stays green and new!

 

Extreme Right – Jean-Marie Le Pen

Recalls a certain France back when;

At ninety-six, he quits the stage

With mixed reviews on printed page!

 

Odd snippets gleaned from world-wide news

There is so much that I could choose

But these needs must suffice today

Variety is the spice, they say!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

*  in Kosciuszko National Park, NSW after missing 2 weeks

** Elvis look-alike Festival in Parkes, NSW

An Epiphany 2025

It isn’t every day I write;

How can I when the sun burns bright

And blue skies beckon me outdoors

Or keep me busy – doing chores…

 

This year sees Seoul up in arms

And drought affecting Aussie farms;

While Jimmy Carter lies in state

And mourners his life venerate.

 

We wonder what this new year brings

With Donald waiting in the wings

 And Gaza still prone to attack;

World politics stays on the rack.

 

I don’t pretend the know the score;

Old Christmas trees lie on the floor

But Epiphany shows saddened face

As festive frolics slow their pace...

(c)  Poet in the woods 2025

 Jimmy Carter - 39th US President

Karma and Andy Warhol

 Each has his moment in the sun;

How fast those fleeting moments run!

Think Andy Warhol’s famed remark*

Just fifteen minutes of bright spark …

 

Whether life be long or short,

Full of fun and love - or fraught

Each of us encounters drama

It's how we face events - our karma…

 

Philosophy, it seems to me

Calms our souls and keeps minds free;

However cluttered are our lives

With courage, common sense survives!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* Andy Warhol (1928-1987) 

 

Mid-November Narrative

I wonder sometimes, should we dare

Ask ourselves why we are here?

We cannot seem to find our place

The on-line world's  a scary place!

 

There’s too much buzzing in our hive;

To keep updated we still strive

But the God of Chaos reigns

Dame Truth, to hold her head up, strains.

 

A tsunami input seems to flow

We’re caught up in its undertow

Think politics across the Pond

Or global warming far beyond…

 

Each day new challenges arise

 ChatGPT  - a fun disguise?

We fight to sift the chaff from wheat

No longer trusting our Elite!

 

Today’s youth has a mammoth task;

Can they these vast changes grasp?

The printed word cannot keep pace;

Does poetry still have a place?

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Painting by Japanese artist Hokusai (1760-1849)

Quick on the Draw?

Poignant cartoons flood the net:

Statue of Liberty shows regret;

As hands to face she now sits down

Hiding from our gaze her frown!

 

Or she wades right back to France*

As Atlantic waves around her dance

And, affected by this ocean spray,

The Democrats with grace give way.

 

Such playful humour keeps us sane!

The trump card clearly won the game

So, leaders of the world’s strong nations

Offer their congratulations.

 

Will voters’ choice more lives enhance?

To this tune, we all must dance;

Tariffs, tax and tribulation

Weigh down the red train in the station!

 

New inmates for White House detected

As the top team is selected;

What lies ahead? Up for debate

But someone has piled high his plate!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* The Statue of Liberty inaugurated in 1886, was designed by French sculptor Fréderic Auguste Bartoldi (1834-1904).

Poised on a Knife-Edge?

The tension mounts; the world awaits

With bated breath those seven states;

Which way will they ‘swing’ this time?

My crystal ball will not define.

 

The outcome?  Will one side 'train wreck'?

For now, they’re running neck and neck.

But it’s been tough; let’s not pretend

Punishing schedules till the end!

 

Exchanging insults and fake news

Behind the rhetoric - strong views

Now vests are bullet-proof; with drones

Observing crowds for threats unknown.

 

A toss-up - no one knows the score

For pundits, sleepless nights in store

Voters – who knows what they think?

Will this Titanic swim or sink?

 

On the horizon, curtained mist

Sharp metaphor, to veil the gist…

After Biden, who knows who:

Scarlet Red or deep, deep Blue?

(c) poet in the woods 2024

Beaglemania!

Charles Schulz's* close pal on the page

 Inspires reactions that engage!

He rushes on our screens each day

Shrewd, on-the-ball - in low-slung way!

 

This much-loved beagle warms our heart

His every exploit hits the mark

Canine philosopher, we read

Does he personify the breed?

 

Finding solace in collations

SNOOPY feels our tribulations

And as Charlie Brown’s best friend,

Likes nothing better than to spend

 

Time in sunshine or in rain

By his side to keep him sane

While Woodstock, often in a flap,

Squawks - because he cannot chat!

 

These magic monologues delight!

Our switched-on beagle makes life bright

Dispelling Lucy Van Pelt’s frown

Ensuring Peanuts world renown!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* Charles Schulz 1922 - 2000