Does Size Matter?

Eckert IV beats ‘Mercator’!*

Where have I heard this name before?

On new world map all eyes train:

Africa - made great again!

 

With this scale-up, Greenland shrinks;

Most vote in favour; U.S. thinks

That its landmass is down-sized;

A lonely ‘no’ voice; who’s surprised?

 

Let us get land in proportion:

Mercator’s world map caused distortion

So, the U.N. Powers decreed**

This new version fills a need!

 

In what way will our views change?

A smaller Canada is strange;

Why does its Neighbour make a fuss?

As there’s still room for all of us!

 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026 

* Gerardus Mercator was a Flemish geographer, cosmographer and cartographer. He is most renowned for creating the 1569 world map based on a new projection which represented sailing courses of constant bearing as straight lines.

** On September 4th, 2026

R.I.P. Dolly Parton (1946-2026)

She was no “9 to 5” type girl

Her hair - a forest full of curl

From “dirt poor” down in Tennessee

She made it to top of the tree!

 

Petite but buxom, a live wire

“Jolene” set our hearts on fire!

Mrs. Carl Dean, kind, warm-hearted

A reading scheme for poor kids started.

 

Ebullient on the silver screen

Of Country Music – uncrowned queen!

The public, faithful, loved her stuff

A real trooper, she was tough!

 

Now eighty - she has turned the page:

The footlights dim, she leaves the stage…

But Dolly Parton’s songs survive

And make us glad to be alive!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Her Imaginative library was founded in 1995

Never a Dull Lull!

A lull in sporting news today!

Lawn tennis finals – yesterday;

Huge crowds love to watch who wins -

Adieu strawberries! Adieu Pims!

 

There's more excitement for news reels:

The Tour de France stops spinning wheels

Time to reflect at slower pace

Before the next stage of the race!

 

We leave the best till last, of course;

Without Red Devils, Swiss and Norse …

As World Cup contenders still on side

Promise a nail-biting ride!

 

Now, France and Spain will fight it out;

Will England Argentina rout?

As with all sport, the game’s the thing;

Which anthem will the winners sing?

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

A Devilishly Good Game!

OK, I get it - the world’s gaze,

Focused through this summer haze,

Was firmly fixed upon ‘The Game’;

Red Devils put U.S. to shame;

Loss of sleep? Cheap price to pay!

How could it end another way?

The Red Card* fiasco stoked the fire ...

Predicted consequences – dire!

 

‘Result’ cartoons now flood the Net;

Black humour reigns as we expect!

Yes, once again, ‘The Mouse has roared’**;

As Belgium four strong goals has scored!

Black-yellow-red flags are flown

As Belgium comes into its own;

What lies ahead we cannot know

But meanwhile, we bathe in pink glow!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Red card given to US footballer Folarin Balogun

** 1959 British satirical comedy film on the achievements of the underdog

2026 World Cup match in Seattle, USA:  Belgium: 4 US: 1

A Peace of Luck?

Hope at Versailles blooms again;

He signed for peace with thick felt pen;

Europa held her breath and sighed ...

A temporary truce is tried.

 

Meanwhile, a fresh new wave of drones

Brings destruction of more homes

Will ships, once blocked, now make their way

Through the troubled Strait today?

 

It matters how you bait your hook;

The stakes are high, the game’s afoot*;

All try to keep their powder dry

But sadly, vagrant sparks may fly …

 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* from Shakespeare's Henry V.

Pre-World Cup 2026

It’s June - the countdown has begun;

Several weeks of football fun;

This year three countries share key dates

As politics has upped the stakes!

 

Transatlantic flights take place;

Our “Red Devils” * set the pace

They face a choice – but where to go?

To Trump’s U.S. or Mexico?

 

Canada will also rate

In this new triumvirate

Where 48, not 32

Teams will fight it out anew!

 

The World Cup sanctions key Prime Time

Ticket sales explode on line

“The game’s afoot!”**; most cannot wait:

Their country’s honour is at stake!

“The Beautiful Game”***, by Pelé dubbed,

Excites the spirit, warms the blood,

Inciting Nations out to play:

Pitch perfect in a world gone grey?

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Between June 11th and 19th July, 2026

* The Belgian National team

** Quote from Shakespeare's 'Henry V' - Act III Scene I

*** The beautiful game is a nickname for association football. It was popularised by Brazilian footballer Pelé, who played from 1957 to 1977 who died aged 82 in 2022. It is also the title of an eponymous Netflix film (2024)

Scary - and All that Jazz!

A quiet day – in blazing sun

With city buzz toned down to hum

Where thirsty plants, quite cowed, await

Relief from heat – Vive Watergate!

 

Such lethargy - perhaps new phase?

We’re so unused to scorching rays;

With many people overheated,

“Get-up-and-go” stores are depleted!

 

Film festival in Cannes delights

As Belgian films attain new heights;

Miles Davis, jazzman with great flair,

Would have hit his century this year!

 

 While Bram Stoker’s brainchild: Dracula*

Has lived 130 years – so far!

These disparate facts – caught on the run

Are what make my writing fun!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* "Dracula" first published May 26th 1897

Miles Davis 26.5.1926 - 28.9.1991

Whose Turn to Move?

Politics – like chessboard pieces

Where tension with each move increases;

The Board across the world extends;

It happens - friends and foes change ends…

 

Glued to news broadcasts every day

We marvel at bold stakes in play;

Fast moves may focus on new goals

For whom, we wonder, the bell tolls?

 

The field is wide, new partners join;

Poised to act on flip of coin?

The driving force – no loss of face

The unexpected – commonplace…

 

That life’s a tightrope – no surprise;

Chess is a tricky enterprise!

Too many pawns – a brace of kings…

We wait to see whose karma wins!

(c) Poet in the Woods 2026

The End of the Dream?

“Fly me to the moon!” has taken on new meaning

And “being on the Far Side” is on TV screening.

How fascinating this all is, with raging wars below

As Apollo 13’s sequel makes media channels flow!

 

Since Artemis 2 escapes our much-loved Planet Blue

The Powers-that-Be, down here on earth, threaten life anew…

Who remembers Star Wars, which captured thoughts and views?

Is Target Moon a side show or distraction in the news?

 

“All men are merely players”, as William Shakespeare said

A theme still very valid, though he’s a long time dead

The Moon will lose its magic when it’s thoroughly explored;

For these astronauts it’s tragic, as their dreams go overboard!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

View of Earth from Outer Space

 

Politics - Across the Board!

Is Politics akin to Chess?

Viz: clever moves that may attest

An agenda hidden in plain view;

From Pawn to King is nothing new!

 

Two steps forward, then a slide

In which direction will they ride?

Is all Black or White? I fear

Shades of grey are ever near.

 

Anticipating who goes where

Though each starts in allotted square;

Yet,  unexpected moves may bring

A seismic shift – not a bad thing!

 

Jostling ‘pawns’ form options new

Opposing players may win through

With actions dubious, smart, effete …

Each Nation’s ‘chessboard’ is unique!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Errare Humanum Est!

Go on, admit it, life is tough

Time-poor, we have had enough

Of crazy politics and stuff

Which rocks our boat;

Such drama takes a myriad forms;

On life’s chessboard, we are pawns;

Constant weeds spoil our dream lawns -

Fear - less remote …

 

Abroad, at home or just next door

Raids and riots lie in store

Like sport, we try to guess the score

So much - unknown;

But Power and Greed go hand-in-hand

As Man’s worst enemy is Man,

Conciliation a vain plan

Peace flags un-flown …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

 

Observations in Mid-January

Turbulence in many places,

Ethics are put through their paces;

Riots, bushfires, floods are clues

To what is making today’s news.

 

We learn of Nuuk* in frozen north …

Talk of invasion and so forth;

All this has a disquieting ring

What changes will this new year bring?

 

Great Ocean Road – torrential rains

Bushfires rage – huge livestock claims

Caravans get washed away!

New “Anti-Hate” laws cause dismay.

 

Mid-summer so all schools are closed

Kids’ antics keep Mums on their toes

Sunhats and suncream still a must…

Native gardens dry as dust!

 

This Southern world needs different norms:

Glaring sun then sudden storms;

It’s tough to know just what to wear

Bright colours though, are everywhere!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* The capital of Greenland which belongs to Denmark

Colourful crowds at the annual Tamworth Music Festival

As Matters stand Today ...

Each day brings challenges and joys

No traffic here just birdsong noise;

The heat is such we stay indoors

Do crosswords, read or clean the floors!

 

It’s far too hot to jog outside

We turn the news on:  a tough ride

For Venezuela’s President*

Transportation – with intent!

 

Protesters face Oz wrath of law

They’re not permitted anymore!

Meanwhile, we swelter under skies

Devoid of clouds, though floods surprise!

 

At the ‘Top End’ monster rains

Drown luckless livestock on the plains…

The Lucky Country? Land of Dreams?

Australia – nothing but extremes!

 

Sun protection is a must;

Outside big cities, drought and dust

Harsh climate under blazing sun;

Watch sharks attack and lizards run!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Nicolas Maduro

Stranded livestock after monsoon rains ...

72 Hours of Strikes?

Is Brussels still “The-Place-to-Be”

Where individuality is key?

Each soul strives in his own way

Life’s tricky game of chess to play!

 

Three days of strikes in bitter cold;

So, Christmas gifts remain unsold

As shopping trips are now curtailed;

Our normal life has been “derailed”.

 

Some metro, bus and trams still run

Check STIB’s website for each one …

But pickets may disturb our day:

Familiar moan about poor pay …

 

Meanwhile, cold rain means soggy views

Adding to today’s sad news…

As drawn-out, forthright talks persist

With peace encumbered by high risk… 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Hostage Aftermath

 With the hostages released

More food trucks now come through:

Fragile overtones of peace!

Will hope be born anew?

 

But we must still be wary;

With debris swept aside

Rebuilding will be scary;

Ahead - a rough, rough ride…

 

I’m not one for predictions

 But let’s keep fingers crossed

A warmer glow seeps through the smoke,

Perhaps not all is lost.

 

Ways and means and compromise

Will weave a lifestyle new

Though goalposts in this crucial game

 Risk being altered too…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Passing the Cultural Baton!

More Tweety Birds fall off their perch

Leaving culture in the lurch

Famed Sixties’ pop groups all lose members -

Glowing memories and embers…

 

Mick* and Keith Richards – rock and jive!

Cliff * and Tommy Steele – survive!

Yet Diane Keaton, Woody’s muse,

Has hit the headlines; such sad news …

 

It’s all too much; I feel bereft

How many idols are still left?

Some linger, but have lost the plot;

We wonder – how long have they got?

 

Each generation fresh blood brings;

Brand-new stars wait in the wings

En masse, the Baby-Boomers** quit;

This world by others will be lit!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Mick Jagger and Cliff Richard

** The 1946-1964 generation

Diane Keaton (1946-2025) and Woody Allen (1935-)

R.I.P. Robert Redford (1936-2025)

 Robert Redford fades from view

At 89 his bolt shot through;

With Barbra Streisand we concur

Sadness for “The Way We Were” …

 

With blonde good looks, this rising star

Imbued with talent, soon went far!

Revenge for death of friend: ‘The Sting’

Brought Box Office punters in!

 

"The world’s a stage" as Shakespeare said

And life’s a play by actors led;

Their “fret and strut” we so admire

But c’est la vie; as they retire…

 

Erased are more names from Life’s board

Yet, in our memories, they’ve scored;

They still delight on silver screen

As handsome as they’ve ever been!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

"The Way We Were" came out in October, 1973

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)