My pavement, often grey and damp,
Converted to wild-flowered ramp!
Here tendrils creep along the wall
And tiny petals bloom and fall.
Dandelion and saxifrage
With robust nettles, meet my gaze;
Straggly shepherd’s purse delights
While feisty daisy claims its rights…
Well-trodden pathway to the wood
Where in this heatwave, neighbours would
Find cool leafy glade to roam …
All this, a stone’s throw from my home!
(c) Poet in the woods 2026
Straggly Shepherd's Purse
Great Britain on the Rocks again!
The frontier opens wide to Spain*
A kick-back from the BREXIT deal:
Gibraltar joins E.U. for real!
Free flow of workers, (Brit food trade?);
How politics can be waylaid!
A double plus for Spain this week;
Their football skills the French team beat!**
That life’s a game has oft been said
But changing sides has history led
As wars and conflicts seek new goals
Changed perpectives, focused roles…
But will the Monkeys leave the Rock?
This metaphor is now red hot!
Trans-border crossings in fast lane …
Do I talk in riddles once again?
(c) Poet in the woods 2026
* on 15th July, 2026
** Spain beat France in World Cup semi-finals on 14th July, 2026
How to keep in touch when far apart?
My two cute loves who warm my heart
Live, as they say, a world away
When summer’s here, their skies are grey…
There’s Internet and Facebook pages
But we haven’t talked for ages …
So, Auntie tries to bridge the gap
By sending postcards to doormat!
A tad old-fashioned, but this brings
Happiness to share such things;
My day trip to the Belgian coast
Provides marine views which I post!
Long walks on Aussie beach are cool
But there are no ships as a rule
So, Isabella holds my hand
While Thomas digs toes in the sand!
Snail mail of course will take its time
But this personal touch is mine;
When some scenic mail arrives
It comes, I hope, as fun surprise!
Both now read and relish learning;
And nothing beats a good page-turning!
And so, I strive with pen and ink
To forge with them my Belgian link!
(c) Poet in the woods 2026
Scenes of Nieuwpoort
A lull in sporting news today!
Lawn tennis finals – yesterday;
Huge crowds love to watch who wins -
Adieu strawberries! Adieu Pims!
There's more excitement for news reels:
The Tour de France stops spinning wheels
Time to reflect at slower pace
Before the next stage of the race!
We leave the best till last, of course;
Without Red Devils, Swiss and Norse …
As World Cup contenders still on side
Promise a nail-biting ride!
Now, France and Spain will fight it out;
Will England Argentina rout?
As with all sport, the game’s the thing;
Which anthem will the winners sing?
(c) Poet in the woods 2026
La Tour de France - quelle tour de force!
Now held every year, of course
Exerts strong pressures few can match;
Outcome predictions can be rash!
Created in 1903
The sport is tough - believe you me!
Grim test of stamina and grace
Whose ‘maillot jaune’ claims pride of place!
The cyclists speed towards Bordeaux*
Once in English hands, you know,
When the Black Prince held the reins;
Now known for wine and rolling plains…
His son, ill-fated Richard II
Is famed for being born here too;
So, this city, now UNESCO site,
Still haunts us with medieval might!
July exudes a burning glow
Heat 'off the charts' means life is slow
I dine in style with a dear friend;
Quaff Adam's Ale - survival trend!
Umbrella-ed patio offers shade
But oven-heat leaves blondes dismayed;
Meanwhile, two dogs for whom she cares
Laze inside with soulful stares!
Mind you, this twosome at my feet
Is aroused when thrown a treat!
With both her neighbours far away,
My friend walks them every day!
In normal chill and summer storm
Their furry haloes keep them warm.
But lacking natural ‘aircon’ flow,
Today, their fur coats are ‘de trop’!
Our drowsiness – brought on by wine?
Quick - ice cream parfait just-in-time!
With World Cup matches played at night,
Wimbledon on screen seems right!
Terrier Marco naps on rug;
While jealous Jacky claims a hug;
Peace, perfect peace – no hectic rush
Dog Days enjoyed by four of us!
(c) Poet in the woods 2026
OK, I get it - the world’s gaze,
Focused through this summer haze,
Was firmly fixed upon ‘The Game’;
Red Devils put U.S. to shame;
Loss of sleep? Cheap price to pay!
How could it end another way?
The Red Card* fiasco stoked the fire ...
Predicted consequences – dire!
‘Result’ cartoons now flood the Net;
Black humour reigns as we expect!
Yes, once again, ‘The Mouse has roared’**;
As Belgium four strong goals has scored!
Black-yellow-red flags are flown
As Belgium comes into its own;
What lies ahead we cannot know
But meanwhile, we bathe in pink glow!
(c) Poet in the woods 2026
* Red card given to US footballer Folarin Balogun
** 1959 British satirical comedy film on the achievements of the underdog
2026 World Cup match in Seattle, USA: Belgium: 4 US: 1
