A Shot in the Dark?

If I mention 'guns' and 'schools' together
As well as this damned freezing weather
It is because both leave me cold
Why must such horror still unfold?

Though the cowboy era is long past
Once more the flags are at half-mast
As guns are freely bought and sold
Think Florida students*: dead and cold...

But perhaps there is a change of mood
NRA sponsors aren't renewed
The media circus lends a hand
The White House forced to take a stand ...

Gun lobbies jostle for their rights;
Morality gets into fights
The stage is set for a new show
But the future is not ours to know...

(c) Poet in the woods 2018



* Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Florida
Shooting 14th February, 2018 - 17 deaths
NRA: National Rifle Association

A Cold Strike

To those in Brussels who commute
The metros and the trams were rare
Did buses run? The point is moot
On platforms – many standing there...

Computer signboards: long delays
The STIB network «much perturbed»
Pension rights in awkward phase
Hence honest daily lives disturbed.

Schools closed; so parents stay at home
Their routine turned quite upside down
Everyone on mobile 'phone;
Three hours needed to cross town!

Cold Siberian winds ensure
Insult to injury is added
Long waiting times freeze us the more
Woe betide the lightly cladded!

When finally a tram arrives
It's all but greeted with a cheer
Amazing that sang froid survives
As these strikes happen – every year!

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

Dawn Take-Off!

While many of you lie abed
Sometimes it is fun instead
To do what many of you dread
And rise at dawn
It's quiet, no cars rumble past
It's great to be up first, not last
I can take my time at last
In early morn.

A brand new day with lots to do
Hours plentiful to see it through
Planning without panic too
My lightning strike!
Breakfast in the peace and quiet
Fresh fruit and coffee in my diet
A treasured time, I won't deny it
What's not to like?

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

It Doesn't Take Much!

Help! This cold makes my brain ache
Chilled to the bone each breath I take
Surely there is some mistake
Bad thermostat?
The Weathermen our ears assail
With another cold snap down the trail
This February frosts prevail
How we hate that!

Early mists o'er meadows lie
The wind is sharp, tears in my eye
OK, a few hours of clear sky
As from midday
Without gloves, hands go sapphire blue
Many friends have got the 'flu
Their motivation all shot through
"Stay home!" I say.

But then a bird comes swooping past
Perhaps on a nest-seeking task
And I hear his cheery song at last
Next to my ear
I look around – Wow! Not a cloud
In Belgium is such blue allowed?
So there are times when I am proud
That I live here!

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

The Reptile, the Mouse and the Monkey!

It seems three «creatures» rule our mind
Neurosciences define
Our lusts, desires and quest for joy
As an 'instant satisfaction' ploy.

The Reptile mind fears an attack
Keeps watch on us and holds us back
While the Mouse is always after cheese
And grabs at everything he sees -

Whether beer, wine, chocolate or food
The Mouse is always in the mood
He's indulgent, greedy, unrestrained
And doesn't think of weight he's gained.

Which leaves the Monkey, much neglected
Who thinks more long term, is directed
To peace of mind, a tad more wise
Contentment in another guise!

The battle's joined when we are born
We're unaware of mental storm
The human mind hears many voices
How many contemplate their choices?

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

Inspiration: RTBF La Première: Pierre Portevin "Osez, ça change tout"

Clinging On

How hard to find a subject new
I cast my net out for a clue
What event will catch my eye?
The Olympics* hurtle swiftly by.

But sadly, sport is not my bag
What fun with football's to be had?
I might as well declare my hand
With politics my flame is fanned!

Donald and Russians in the news
Maelstrom of conflicting views
More gun violence in a school
Prayers and not a change of rule.

South Africa where Zuma's** reign
Is over – sunshine after rain?
Corruption everywhere is rife
And the plight of migrants – what price life?

Whom can we look to and admire?
High hopes crushed, dragged in the mire
Have we reached the end of tethered rope?
Pandora's box holds one gift – hope ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

* Winter Olympics at Pyongyang, South Korea: 9-25 Feb, 2018

** Jacob Zuma resigned as President of South Africa on 15th Feb, 2018

Feeling Mellow!

When the sun peeps out, my mood improves
It's one of Nature's finest moves
The shadows form along the tiles
And my view extends for miles.

Living right by woodland edge
In an enclave, verdant wedge
Melodious birdsong is a joy
Conversely, yapping dogs annoy!

The green belt starts outside my door
Fir trees harbour birds that caw
Pert wood anemones, petite
Under tired bracken peep.

In a neighbour's garden - yellow thrills
A splash of Wordsworth's «Daffodils»*
As Nature offers great displays
To those with time to stop and gaze ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

* William Wordsworth's most famous poem "The Daffodils" was written in 1802.