Perched High!

On car rooftop – what is new?

Perfect for a better view!

Thomas seems relaxed, laid back

Torture-free, they’re on the rack!

 

This time, my niece is dressed in blue

Completely frill-free, sober hue;

Do I detect in this coy pose

A brand-new style? If so, it shows.

 

With wide-brimmed hat perched on his head,

Thomas gazes straight ahead

While Isabella’s locks protect

From blazing sunrays her swan neck!

 

Once more, a moment caught on-line

Which gives occasion for this rhyme;

They grow so fast; she’s nearly seven

With pre-teen Thomas soon eleven!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

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)

In Contemplative Mood

 It’s vital that we keep in touch

With all our friends who mean so much;

A phone call, message (Instagram?)

Let’s wave to neighbours when we can!

 

This sounds a simple step to take

But COVID and Smart phones now make

The thought of meeting friends for real

Too hard to contemplate, we feel!

 

What inhibition holds us back?

Is it courage that we lack?

Who now sends an invitation?

Yet, when we get one: Joy! Elation!

 

Two seen in restaurant alone

Absorbed, though face-to-face, on phone;

Weird, muffled tram rides - no one speaks;

Each in his bubble on the streets …

 

So, today on walk near wood

Small kids played ball games as they should

Pink cheeks from effort, they ran wild;

What happened to our inner child?

(C) Poet in the Woods 2024

Musing at the Cenotaph

The cenotaph – an empty tomb

In which a Nation’s lost souls bloom

A poignant symbol all agree

Of futile deaths in lands called “free” …

 

Signed Treaties reneged, then unkept;

Countless widows who have wept;

Man’s failure to maintain the peace

Reminds us War is on long-lease…

 

Conflicts blight our news today:

Heartless drones the bold, smart way!

Though pretexts vary down the years

Every time we shed more tears …

 

At stake – vast oil or water deals

Land acquisition, faith ideals.

So, Injustice furls its banner high

War ignites and brave men die …

 

Global warming’s a rough ride!

“To love one’s neighbour,” we should strive

But sadly, human nature’s flawed

It’s simpler to gird up our sword! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

The Cenotaph in Whitehall, London

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

Lost Connections!

Computers - helpmates good or bad?

A little slip can make you mad!

For each site we require smart codes;

My personal memory bank implodes ...

 

Is this an age thing? I reflect

That I was born before the Net

Dragged us through AI’s deep seas;

For Generation Z – a breeze!

 

Scan, copy or sign your consent?

I’m not always sure what’s meant

Less personal contact is a bind

I sometimes feel quite left behind!

 

Am I alone with this new Angst

Or perhaps, should I give thanks?

We’re told life’s safer with this tool

Which often makes me lose my cool!

 

Gone are the days of lengthy queues

For tickets – so that is good news

But nonetheless I feel regret

Do I Orwell’s oeuvre* detect?

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* George Orwell published '1984' in 1948.