On Learning Sad News

We’re pulled up short when sad news comes;

The sand, which through the hour-glass runs

For each of us, now gives us pause

As we’re bound by Nature’s laws …

 

Infinity, a concept strong

Where we all feel we belong,

In time is shattered,  and we see

It hides a harsh reality.

 

We cling to our beliefs, our friends

We fool ourselves; so much depends

On factors out of our control

For each of us plays finite role.

 

It’s been like this since life began;

Credulity, thy name is Man!

But Hope - Pandora’s gift - sustains

So, we see sunshine, despite rains …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

 

The Sands of Time

Just four days in and desert lands

Upset so many travel plans

The troubled skies light up at night

But not by any long-haul flight…

 

Hordes of passengers are stranded

Woe to those who have just landed!

Caught helpless, wondering what to do

World politics is led – by who?

 

The Strait of Hormuz shuts the door

Soon prices at the pumps will soar …

With the power vacuum now created

Peace talks seem fragile and inflated…

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

The Year of the Fire-Horse!

Tumultuous this Chinese year:

The feisty Fire-Horse struts here!

Upsets, upheavals, goalposts missed,

All untoward, we’re crisis-kissed!

 

Dire news from friends I read

Risks are coming home to breed!

Disasters clothed in myriad forms,

Routines beset by sudden storms…

 

Fire, death and illness fight for space …

The Wheel of Fortune picks up pace!

Thank goodness we can count on friends

Whose moral comfort never ends…

 

Money can’t solve every plight

Although of course when cash is tight

Despair comes knocking at our door

And stress can shake us to the core…

 

This Fire-Horse year, right on cue,

Runs roughshod; we must plan anew

As certainties are turned to dust …

But fight on to survive – we must!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Dates: February 17th, 2026 - to February7th, 2927

19 Degrees in February!

Not all news is “also read”

Behold - hot temperatures in Feb!

The weathermen in Uccle sigh

Climate change, methinks, is nigh!

 

Pristine snow scenes, captured fast

By Jan’s photographer, will last.

But soon the clouds blocked out the blue

And dripping brollies furled anew!

 

Now February nears its end;

On warmer days we humans spend

Bird-trilled moments in bright sun

Where kerbs with daffs are overrun!

 

A host of crocuses I spy

Proof that the council has passed by …

Sweet Nature flirts in new attire

And doubtless, poets will inspire!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

  

On Chilling Out!

Our 'To-Do' list grows and grows ...

We’re busy, often in the throes

Of vital action or hard task;

“What must I do next?” you ask.

 

Drat, once again we put aside

An indulgence, let it slide …

Then, after urgent jobs get done

Tiredness stops us having fun!

 

There’s so much we’d like to do

As our friends need attention too,

But often, sadly, we’re time-poor

Struggling to complete each chore!

 

We never seem to find the time

To chill, as we’re “hooked” on line;

I muse – is modern stress a phase?

Perhaps we should re-think our days!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

The Value of Keeping in Touch

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

What's in a Date?

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