Thursday, 16 April 2026

Coming Alive in the Woods!

Fun walk in Boitsfort to unwind;

For once the sun is warm and kind

The sky deep blue, wreathed in light cloud

And chirruping of birds quite loud!

 

The joy of walking far from cars!

Eternal nettles frame the paths

Where twisty tree roots lie in wait

To trip up those with nervous gait.

 

A crested glebe its nest displays

While two ducks preen in springtime haze

On the “Enfants Noyés” lake

Which suggests dramatic fate…

 

A flash - as furtive squirrel passes!

Gold beetle spotted by long grasses

Bright swathes of bluebells on the rise …

Long picnic tables – a surprise!


The local medics* planned this walk

Where locals congregate and talk;

Where moss adorns old scattered logs

Still hidden out of sight – small frogs!


(c) Poet in the woods 2026


* Walk organised by the Maison Médicale de Forêt de Soignes


The magical Etang des Enfants Noyés - Boitsfort

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

The Potency of Yellow!

Is yellow April’s vibrant theme?

Bold dandelions poke through spring green

Primrose and pansies grace our sills;

See Brussels iris, daffodils!

 

Our morning egg has golden heart

Reminding us of a new start

Too late to be an Easter chick …

We spread our toast with butter thick.

 

Mists evaporate in sun

Whose potent orb bathes everyone

In a glow on work-day ride;

Nature, for once, on our side!

 

Hence, yellow is my theme today

Nature’s optimistic way

To give us energy and light;

It fuels my muse and keeps it bright! 


(c) Poet in the woods 2026



Yellow Irises - the symbol of Brussels



Thursday, 9 April 2026

On Passing on ...

The Media promotes souls who’ve died 

Their ‘famous’ lives neatly described;

Sportsmen, or stars on TV

 Much missed, but quite unknown to me …

 

Celebrities in their own sphere

Mourned by the Press keen to be there

But, on the world stage, have they stood?

Were they known for doing good?

 

What legacy is left behind?

‘Momentous’ lives, but were they kind?

Did they invent something new?

In a word, what DID they do?

 

Whether lives be long or short,

Long-lasting fame cannot be bought;

Revived perhaps on old film reel;

But of them, how much was real?

 

We’re all just candles on display:

A puff of wind blows us away;

It’s what we do while we are here;

When we pass over, who will care? 


(c) Poet in the woods (2026)





Wednesday, 8 April 2026

The End of the Dream?

“Fly me to the moon!” has taken on new meaning

And “being on the Far Side” is on TV screening.

How fascinating this all is, with raging wars below

As Apollo 13’s sequel makes media channels flow!

 

Since Artemis 2 escapes our much-loved Planet Blue

The Powers-that-Be, down here on earth, threaten life anew…

Who remembers Star Wars, which captured thoughts and views?

Is Target Moon a side show or distraction in the news?

 

“All men are merely players”, as William Shakespeare said

A theme still very valid, though he’s a long time dead

The Moon will lose its magic when it’s thoroughly explored;

For these astronauts it’s tragic, as their dreams go overboard!


(c) Poet in the woods 2026






 

Monday, 6 April 2026

Easter Monday - on Awakening ...

I rise from slumber, the sun shines

It’s after eight, but no one minds;

On Easter Monday no bells chime,

Another whole day to call mine!

 

We long for peace but wars pervade …

More young souls find early grave;

In dire straits indeed (no pun);

The price of gas shocks everyone!

 

Yet, Easter means a well-earned break

 Watch sales of choc eggs escalate!

Here, Nature’s coat has verdant sheen;

For those well-heeled – a change of scene…

 

In woodlands nearby, bursts of song

Brave birds - for winter has been long;

They herald brighter, hope-filled days;

Their upbeat tempo my soul sways …


(c) Poet in the woods 2026






Sunday, 5 April 2026

Not to be Sniffed At!

Another blank page glares at me!

Out in warm sun I’d like to be

Admiring Wordsworth's daffodils …

But I have ‘flu; am taking pills!

 

A honking cough, my lights sink low

I wrap up warm and take life slow

Obliged to cancel rendezvous

As sharing bugs ain’t what I do!

 

My sense of taste and smell - denied!

The dreaded ‘lurgy’ takes a ride

And snaffles all my ‘joie de vivre’;

Hence, paper hankies fill my sleeve!

 

So much for roast lamb feast with friend;

All things considered, I should spend

This Easter Day in bed – alone

With no companion but my phone!

 

These bugs are a real scourge, I’m told;

 Should I blame the constant cold

Which still pervades, although it’s Spring?

This Easter has a hollow ring …


(c) Poet in the woods 2026





Friday, 3 April 2026

A Pre-Easter Message!

Damn sniffles and a sudden sneeze

Caught perhaps from icy breeze

Which holds us firmly in its grasp;

But surely, Spring has come at last?

 

Zingy ginger in my tea

 And lemon for vitamin C!

A second cardigan is wise

To warm me under sullen skies!

 

I need a scarf when I go out

A hassle I could do without;

This change of hour and lack of sleep

Combine to make my Muse less sweet!

 

But Easter looms - my wishes go

To all ‘out there’ who read my flow

Of thoughts, reflections, points of view…

It cheers me up to write for you!


(c) Poet in the woods 2026