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.

Beaglemania!

Charles Schulz's* close pal on the page

 Inspires reactions that engage!

He rushes on our screens each day

Shrewd, on-the-ball - in low-slung way!

 

This much-loved beagle warms our heart

His every exploit hits the mark

Canine philosopher, we read

Does he personify the breed?

 

Finding solace in collations

SNOOPY feels our tribulations

And as Charlie Brown’s best friend,

Likes nothing better than to spend

 

Time in sunshine or in rain

By his side to keep him sane

While Woodstock, often in a flap,

Squawks - because he cannot chat!

 

These magic monologues delight!

Our switched-on beagle makes life bright

Dispelling Lucy Van Pelt’s frown

Ensuring Peanuts world renown!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* Charles Schulz 1922 - 2000

Thoughts on Another Guy!

November looms - we’re right on track

That cold nip in the air is back!

There’s talk of winter snows quite soon

Crisp evenings brightened by the moon?

 

November 5^th - Guy Fawkes for some

With Catholic plotter lives undone

But politics has moved on since;

Across the Pond, they feel the pinch …

 

‘Puerto Rico’ and ‘trash cans’ confuse

While Swing States Saga fills the news.

Tough game afoot; new voters sign:

But who will cross the winning line?

 

Too close to call, the tension rises

Like with Guy Fawkes, big surprises

America stands on the brink;

This election makes us think!

(C) Poet in the woods 2024

A Cautionary Tale

That life is invoices and bills

Is a harsh fact without thrills

But recently with some delay

Saint Luc sent its bills to pay.

 

This hospital in leafy glade

With never-ending aisles, soon made

Several x-rays of poor wrist

Broken, as a step I’d missed.

 

Encased in plaster cast, forlorn

I struggled to get dressed each morn

But a kindly neighbour lent a hand

(A pun of course you’ll understand!).

 

With stitches out and sturdy brace

I soon the big bad world could face;

My guided tours took off again

Though STIB travel was a strain!

 

So, I reflect - a simple spill

Reduced my social life to nil

And I must henceforth take great care

Whenever I must climb a stair!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

 

Life Happens - Coffee Helps!

With renovations now complete;

Smart advertising slogan neat

At Aquatic Centre’s* friendly bar

Post relaxation at the spa!

 

The bar staff, keen now to entice

Punters in for something nice

Have placed a caption new, appealing

If it’s chilly that you’re feeling …

 

With wet feet dried and shiny hair

And perhaps some time to spare

You’ll spot this greeting on display.

Temptation put right in your way!

 

“Life happens, Coffee helps” we read

How hard to resist; indeed

We step inside; how could we not?

Hot coffee always hits the spot!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* The South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre - Oaklands Park, Adelaide

On Sparking Joy

In war-torn world, what still sparks joy?

Why, even daily tasks annoy;

I have to wonder where I am

When no one chats on train or tram …

 

Invisible though in plain view?

Unobserved when in a queue?

Not noticed in a shopping street?

Suddenly, I’m obsolete!

 

Apart from friends, who really care,

New contacts now are very rare

Making links?  OK through screens

But in the real world – just pipe dreams!

 

Scared of  laptop or Smart phone

Many souls feel quite alone

Without ‘WhatsApp’, it’s hard to cope

Who gets a postcard, writes a note?

 

But sparking joy is where life’s at

Without people, days are flat;

This on-line lifestyle is for mugs

What we miss, and need, are hugs!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024