Isabella tries Calisthenics!

We burst with pride at this bold sight

Of our pert Miss in red and white

Who grows apace in poise and style,

And never fails us to beguile!

 

Attired for Calisthenics class,

Isabella’s learning fast

Jumping through such hoops with ease

She seems to sense just how to please!

 

She’s barely four but stands her ground;

Her knowing look keeps us spellbound

Our captivating little girl

Hogs the limelight with a twirl …

 

This group activity is new;

She watches others work out too

And must take care to stay in line

But she’s stepping out – big time!

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

Trivial Pursuits?

Is there still such a thing as news?

A cacophony of diverse views

And opinions, willy-nilly,

Makes the world’s Press look so silly!

 

Trivia seems to rule the roost;

Will miss-filled visa forms induce

Those who hold the reins of power

To ban the Serb* from shining hour?

 

While Platinum plans now go ahead

A family member**  lives in dread

Perception by the people matters

A reputation lies in tatters …

 

Then on the Thames hard by Big Ben

Talks of a party*** cause mayhem

The Speaker**** has his work cut out;

Who, one wonders wields most clout?

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

* Novak Djokovic, Serbian tennis player refused entry to Melbourne's Tennis Open

** Prince Andrew

*** "PartyGate" or holding an illegal party at N° 10 during the COVID lock-down

**** Sir Lindsay Hoyle

Snippets on January 10th

It’s crunchy underfoot today

With Jack Frost’s white work on display!

Our schools go back - this time for real

Though quarantine terms stay surreal…

 

 An Oscar-star in Sixty-Four:

Now Sydney Poitier is no more

So, another gem falls from the crown

Of Hollywood in tinsel town!

 

Down Under, Melbourne hogs the news

Will they still the Serb* refuse?

The jury’s out; is the die cast?

For Djokovic the clock ticks fast…

 

A fire (by accident or design)

Hits the New York news big time;

Just snippets of life on this day

Against a background tinged with grey …

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

*  tennis champion Novak Djokovic denied participation in the 2022 Australian Open as he had not been vaccinated against COVID - it was won by Rafael Nadal of Spain.

Actor Sydney Poitier: 20.2.1927 - 6.1.2022 (aged 94)

Thomas Turns Eight!

Wow, Thomas, you are eight years old!

More fun horizons now unfold;

Dad tells me golf might be your game

But losing goes against the grain…

 

You like to calculate, compare

So, Dad and you make a good pair!

Monopoly exerts its spell:

Hotels on Mayfair would do well!

 

Schools are shut in summer shine

So, January means free time

 Where sport a major role can play

Sea swimming - a stone’s throw away!

 

At this age, a fast stepping-stone:

Time to get a mobile phone?

Enjoy each moment, make it last

As Isabella follows fast!

(c) Poet in the woods

Off to a Shaky Start?

That’s all we need -  there’s talk of snow!

This ‘flaky’ news sets cheeks aglow

As schools gear up cohorts to greet

Will COVID stalk round desks this week?

Tennis with politics is stirred

As Melbourne Airport holds the Serb!*

While Macron’s edict could prove dire:

The great un-jabbed in line of fire …

 

Held in the hot-seat, a prince quakes

A trial perhaps will up the stakes …

In a nutshell, much bodes ill

This year begins up a steep hill!

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

* Novak Jokovic - world class tennisman

  

Omicron Goes to Work!

The grindstone beckons this wan morn!

Masks, of course, must still be worn

It’s back to work for some of you

Crowded travelling in view…

 

Torrential rain fell overnight

No frost yet, so that’s alright

But winter has not breathed its last

This lull may lead to chilly blast!

 

Today’s commute to work is slow

Many hesitant to go

Uneasiness hangs the air

Though bored with COVID – please take care!

 

Meanwhile, the Dutch in lock-down strict,

Find Antwerp shopping a big hit

Winners and losers play this game;

While UK residents complain…

 

As Omicron* numbers start to swell

Predictions all seem shot to Hell;

Man has a tough rebellious streak

So, will he play it safe this week? 

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

* * Omicron is a variant of the virus

A Walk on New Year's Day!

On New Year’s Day, what does one do?

It was warm*, the sun shone through

New diary – what shall I relate?

Virgin calendar – clean slate.

 

A happy walk down sun-kissed streets

“Bonne Année!” to all those one meets!

Their optimism quite unbowed,

Birds on rooftops chatter loud.

 

Through neighbours’ windows - Christmas trees

Here and there bright holly wreaths…

Sometimes candles light my way

Boldly chasing winter grey …

 

Rubbish bins with wrappings filled

Let’s hope their contents small kids thrilled;

No fireworks, but a few arrests

While snug stayed many - in their nests …

 

Post-midnight frenzy, some are tired

But in this sunshine, I’m inspired.

Today, up early, in the sun

I stroll; am I the only one? 

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

*14°C in Uccle

View of the woods from Rue de Triage, Boitsfort