April 6th - a Meditation

April 6^th – and it’s still cold

Though daffs and aconite unfold

Their golden loveliness with pride;

I shiver as I step outside.

 

How can I cheer you all today,

As politics is dressed in grey?

I muse; how was it, years ago?

Perhaps my memory is slow…

 

King Death roams in disparate places

The Middle East put through its paces …

But each day offers a new slate!

We can choose to love - or hate;

 

Ripe age brings wisdom, old folks say;

So, as Spring sports its best display

And social media causes stress,

Perhaps a walk in sun is best …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Flowering Aconite 

Planting Pleasure!

By the pricking of my thumbs

Spring is here – forget the Glums:

Birds chatter gaily as I pass

Wee daisies poke up through the grass!

 

Hedge-trimming: local Commune’s task

There’s spring in my step – at last!

Gloves and scarf get packed away

Sunshine warms my face today!

 

Crowds through local nurseries flow

More gardens in full colour glow;

I plant pert pansies in new soil:

They perk up and reward my toil!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

April Fool's Day - News!

Huge earthquake shattered Myanmar:

Two thousand deaths at least so far

Its cry for help is quickly known

Aid rushes to disaster zone…

 

Meanwhile in France, the Far-Right flails

Embezzlement Le Pen derails

And in the film world we deplore

Dr. Kildare – now no more…

 

While Greenland, rarely in the news

Feels proud, defiant and abused!

From Outer Space, two souls romp home

From a nine-month stint – alone!

 

On social media: Belgian law

Means cigarettes now hide in store;

Perhaps when they are out of sight

The urge to smoke will not ignite?

 

Once more  - a pot pourri of news

On which you may hold trenchant views!

But this is how life is today

No April Fool, I’m sad to say!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Richard Chamberlain as Dr. Kildare

Lunch Date in Ixelles

I met up with good friend this week

We dined on spicy Thai - a treat!

We’ve knocked around for many years

And share a love for writing spheres.

 

Discussions ranged from this to that

During our long lunchtime chat

But illness and the loss of friends

Became a theme that never ends…

 

Despite the wan sun through the glass

We tripped down dark lanes of the past …

Recalling how life used to be

In Brussels back in Eighty-Three…

 

Alas, we cannot stop the clock;

We wonder when our lives will stop …

Meanwhile, what joy we still can meet

From time to time; yes, life is sweet!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Why Write Poetry?

It occurs to me from time to time

To wonder who will find my rhyme

Which sneaks onto the Internet

With no bright lights around its neck…

 

Unconsidered trifles fire my pen;

They pop up in my sights, and then

As though I’m running a fast race

Words jostle to fit into place!

 

I make no claim to magic skill

It’s just I make words rhyme at will

This hobby is such fun to share

And connect with YOU - out there!

 

We’re all plagued with too much ‘stuff’

And crisis-ridden news is tough

So, poetry is just my way

Of coping with the world today!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Magic Moments!

What magnificent magnolia

How its petals cling on tight!

All along the tramways

They’re such a happy sight.

 

Daffodils poke through the grass

Sweet heralds of the spring

And in the Jagerveld near me

Blue scillas form a ring!

 

My heart glows - it’s so thrilling;

Dark bushes soon turn green

While herbs sprout in my window box

Yes, Nature reigns supreme!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

A Walk along Boulevard du Souverain

 From Auderghem to Boitsfort

Leafy parks and ponds invite!

Egyptian geese splash in the sun

Quaint bridge upon my right.

 

Almost imperceptible

Stark branches show spring signs

A biting wind keeps buds in check

But vegetation climbs!

 

Forsythia adds a touch of gold

And daffodils stand to;

Lone fountain by old “Royale Belge”

Adds sparkle to sky blue ...

 

A host of students sketch the scene

I stop to watch them draw;

Tomorrow’s architects create

New vistas in the raw ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2025