Thoughts on Networking

Relying just on social media

With knowledge gained on Wikipedia

Is OK, but we require

Real people who care and inspire!

 

These links-through-screens – at one remove

Lack the warmth that makes life smooth;

With added pressures and restraint,

Our burdened hearts soon make complaint.

 

Networking - in the flesh – provides

A social need; our hopes revive;

Connections are not forged on line

But building personal bonds takes time…

 

Soft skill sets are the way to go!

As coffee breaks help business flow;

Not everyone sees eye-to-eye

But in meet-ups, we can try!

 

A disembodied voice down phone

Causes angst when we’re alone

Nuisance calls can stress us out

And do all emails have real clout?

 

The joys of personal post are lost;

Emails are cheap; think reduced cost!

Regretfully, we’ve lost our way

How long will ersatz-living sway?

(c) Poet in the Woods  2022

A Tribute to Roger Federer

More famous names bow out and go…

Tennis loses famous Pro

As Roger leaves a crowded court

Emotional and overwrought…

 

Now 41 – stylish, first class

His victories long shadows cast

A precision Swiss with charm and flair;

It will be odd with him not there…

 

But tennis is a gruelling game

Triumphant yes, but fraught with pain;

Although he had the golden touch

A man can only do so much.

 

As anno domini declare,

Top sportsmen suffer wear-and-tear

So, he must lay his racket down

And don instead the victor’s crown!

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

 

In the Balance!

Bright warm days in duck-blue sky

After hailstorms, all is dry

Dogs and their masters rush on by

Down dappled way;

The fiery heat turned down to cool

Children, joyful, back at school

 In city centre, strikers* duel:

Their gripe?  More pay!

 

Abroad, two land-locked Nations fight

As each side wants to hold on tight

But Pyrrhic gains just don’t seem right

To settle scores ;

Reservists flee, they fear the worst;

NATO digs deep in its purse:

This ‘Special Operation’ nursed

By Bear-like claws !

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

*Strikes are a frequent occurrence in Brussels!

Isabella the Waitress!

No let up to the roles she plays!

Isabella’s haunting gaze

Draws attention to her tray

What is she offering today?

 

As a good waitress, she provides

A choice of drinks for thirsty eyes;

Is there hot cocoa? Coffee? tea?

I hesitate – what will it be?

 

And what will brother Thomas choose?

Will yellow, pink or green enthuse?

Her presentation skills are key;

The  'cup that cheers' is right for me!

 

Peppa Pig observes the scene;

No apron for this serving queen

Who, wrapped-up warm, with cheeky smile,

Can every customer beguile!

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

Thoughts on the State Funeral

A State funeral like no other;

 For, perhaps, the world’s grandmother

Seventy years on velvet throne

And only for one year – alone.

With Philip by her side she ruled 

No politician better schooled

With tact, diplomacy and charm;

Troubled waters she could calm.

Tours to her subjects; every one

Recalled with love, her duty done

Of countless charities the head

Who always by example led.

A black coach to the Abbey brings

World leaders, Presidents and Kings

A compromise to protocol

As traffic is a nightmare goal!

With mourning Royals in sober black

Joe Biden, free world leader, sat

With birthday-honoured guests today

United through her personal say!

Tight logistics, swelling crowds

Pall Mall lined with sad heads bowed

Strong presence in our post-war story

Pageantry, tradition, glory …

On letterboxes, stamps, banknote

Somehow, she never seemed remote

Though frail, we never thought to see

A world where she would cease to be …

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

The end of an era ...

A Queue like No Other ...

This is no royal mile but three,

That snakes in a reflective mood

Past London landmarks (where to pee?)

Some stay open - offer food!

 

Undeterred by spots of rain

Tarpaulin-wrapped or with a tent;

Such queues we shall not see again

All walks of life - with one intent.

 

Black ties and brollies, young and old

Celebrities* join in, heads bowed

In hours of waiting, pinched and cold

Subdued chatter in the crowd …

 

Police discreetly cordon lines

In awe, proud to participate,

Aware these are historic times

To honour She-who-lies-in-state…

 

Teary-eyed, at modest pace

Where many last respects will pay

In Westminster Hall, stark place,

Prince Harry - uniformed today.

 

Monday's funeral turns the page

A Nation stoic - lump in throat;

Acute sense of a passing Age;

“God save the King” strikes poignant note …

(c) Poet in the Woods 2022

* i.e. David Beckham

Thames-side queues

Queen Elizabeth II, who died from bone marrow cancer on September 8th, 2022,  

lies in state in Westminster Hall

Corgi Continuity

Royal corgis cannot understand

Her absence – it had not been planned;

Red boxes done, she’d step outside

And have them, peaceful, by her side.

 

She’d stroll around her vast estate

Absorb fresh air and contemplate …

For a Royal’s work is never-ending

She must follow all that’s trending.

 

The dogs, of course, knew none of this

But brought her joy in daily tryst

They helped to put her mind at rest

By keeping pace at her behest.

 

Sweet ‘Susan’ gifted at eighteen,

Fair Princess once and then young Queen;

Both matriarchs in their own way

Formed dynasties which still hold sway!

 

Two cocker spaniels, corgi Candy

Together with young Muick and Sandy

Distanced now from Royal throne;

Prince Andrew will give some a home

 

Sharing responsibility

With ex-wife Sarah, red-haired she;

The Queen’s wise influence revealed

Perhaps some rifts have now been healed …

(c) Poet in the woods 2022