When you think of friends, you make that call
It’s been a while, so let’s not stall!
The friend in question hears your voice,
Flattered that you made this choice!
A bit of chit-chat, time goes by
Connections mean so much; you sigh
You may recall good times you’ve had
Though sometimes, what you learn is sad …
That’s why we nurture our dear friends
As every moment that one spends
With people who enhance our lives
Is precious, so friendship survives!
(c) Poet in the woods 2026
Milan, Cortina: Winter Games
Its snowy ambiance proclaims
Bronze medal* for the Belgian Team
A modest effort, it would seem …
Norway, meanwhile tops the polls;
Last TV coverage extols
Great prowess, skill and expertise:
They have the edge in times like these!
Observe elsewhere - the heat is on
It’s four years to the day, upon
Which, other matters topped the news;
I say no more but just leave clues …
Once more, a Sunday meditation:
Penned lightly without hesitation
Recalling what one
cannot voice
In terms of dates – a double choice …
(C) Poet in the woods
Winter Olympic Games 5-22 February, 2026
* For short-track speed skating
This ‘otherworldliness’ disturbs;
Beyond leaf-littered, wide suburbs
I see, encroaching on parched plains,
New building projects crowned with cranes.
Huge earthworks, fencing, “Keep out!” signs
For brand-new homes in dusty lines;
This barren landscape lacks a heart
The would-be roads mapped out, look stark.
Where entry needs no invitation
Key agenda issue: immigration;
This “Lucky Country” feels the strain
Hence the “Aussies do it tough” refrain.
For a visitor who loves the sun
Oz scenery is next to none
A privilege enjoyed by few:
Low rainfall is a tough call too!
For locals, this heat is a curse
Rates and tax hikes hit the purse;
Each year the risk of fire is high
As nowhere else is it so dry!
(C) Poet in the woods 2026
At times we need to pause awhile
Turn off that ever-glowing dial
Of our Smart phone, banish stress,
Consider living with much less …
Who wants more gadgets to procure?
Aggressive adverts are no lure;
Do I really need to see
Alerts from Facebook? Leave me be!
I take a walk, admire the trees;
Such precious moments - I need these
To restore the peace I lack,
And put my troubled soul on track.
Is this an age thing? I confess
In Nature I find happiness;
Plus - joy in sharing with a friend
A good book - will never end!
In bushfires you can lose it all
But helped by neighbours, you walk tall;
What matters, when you boil it down
Are friends, not shopping trips in town!
(c) Poet in the woods 2026
Is Politics akin to Chess?
Viz: clever moves that may attest
An agenda hidden in plain view;
From Pawn to King is nothing new!
Two steps forward, then a slide
In which direction will they ride?
Is all Black or White? I fear
Shades of grey are ever near.
Anticipating who goes where
Though each starts in allotted square;
Yet, unexpected moves may bring
A seismic shift – not a bad thing!
Jostling ‘pawns’ form options new
Opposing players may win through
With actions dubious, smart, effete …
Each Nation’s ‘chessboard’ is unique!
(c) Poet in the woods 2026
A dear friend leads me down a glade;
The sun’s rays burn, we seek some shade
By sleepy creek bestrewn with rocks
Whose background murmur never stops…
New South Oz Park by River Sturt
Where birds in muted colours lurk
Splashing in this shallow stream;
By palm fronds framing all in green!
On water’s edge, homes reached by steps;
Below, crisp leaf debris collects;
These lofty eucalypts impose
In myriad forms, majestic shows!
Bridges, boardwalks – splendid views
Roofed resting spots to sit and muse …
On our way we came upon
Welsh immigrants with dog called Ffion!
A moment shared in soulful peace
Happiness on a short lease!
This, the River Sturt's new Park*
Has found a place deep in my heart!
(c) Poet in the woods 2026
* Located in Mitcham, it opened in 1993.
All unbeknownst, my hat is stolen!
Once again, the camera’s rollin’
As Isabella plans her pose;
Picture-perfect; she just knows!
Mummy’s taste in clothes is sweet
Today, the blue dress looks a treat
So Auntie simply can’t resist
Her niece’s smile – warm and sun-kissed!
It reminds me of time long ago
When the pace of life was slow
And “Miss Pear’s”
Soap ads* caught our eye
Skin care luxury to try!
We marvel at our feisty Miss
Who puts on fashion a new twist;
My old, worn sunhat looks brand-new
Thanks, of course, to you-know-who!
(c) Poet in the woods 2026
* These ads were popular from 1958 ...
