At the River Sturt Linear Park

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.

Isabella's Hat-Trick!

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 ...

 

In Adelaide's Botanic Gardens

A simple tram ride takes you there;

North Terrace high rise buildings glare

Their window panes caught in sun’s rays

Admission free – I am amazed!

 

Beyond its entrance, all is calm;

A couple walk by, arm-in-arm;

I spot two ladies* brightly clad

A lawyer and a teacher, glad

 

To pass the time of day with me;

Birds chatter in a nearby tree;

The white pavilion on a rise

A kind of folly in disguise…

 

Vast palm trees wave in lush profusion

A duck-filled lake in quiet seclusion

Shady paths, discrete, edged neat

What an enchanting place to meet!

 

Artworks are sometimes here displayed;

None seen this visit, I’m afraid!

Instead, we met and dined in style

Putting life on hold awhile …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* For Gay and Jo

The Palm House is an exquisite, painstakingly restored Victorian glasshouse imported from Bremen, Germany in 1875.  The gardens were inaugurated in 1855.

Brighton Jetty Sculptures

The Tour Down Under fills sports news;

Clad in Lycra, scenic views

As peddle-pushers pit their skills

Up Adelaide’s amazing hills.

 

Slight breezes cool – it’s hot outdoors

At Mount Lofty, cyclists pause

One biker “Eddy Merckx” displays:

A touch of Belgium in heat haze!

 

Meanwhile, amazing artworks stare

On Brighton’s sandy thoroughfare:

Bold dolphin “Snowflake” made me start;

Two yellow blooms – surrealist art?

 

One feature though, amused me most

Called “feathered cyclists” at this coast:

Gull, Puffin and a Penguin ride

Streamlined, flat out, side by side! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Snowflake the Dolphin - crafted out of scrap metal by Axel Klem

"Sunshine bloom"- crafted by Chris Murphy

Made of steel and cardboard by Tom Buckland,  these wacky and whimsical feathered cyclists share humour, ecology, and the joy of cycling at Brighton, South Australia.

Errare Humanum Est!

Go on, admit it, life is tough

Time-poor, we have had enough

Of crazy politics and stuff

Which rocks our boat;

Such drama takes a myriad forms;

On life’s chessboard, we are pawns;

Constant weeds spoil our dream lawns -

Fear - less remote …

 

Abroad, at home or just next door

Raids and riots lie in store

Like sport, we try to guess the score

So much - unknown;

But Power and Greed go hand-in-hand

As Man’s worst enemy is Man,

Conciliation a vain plan

Peace flags un-flown …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

 

Overheated!

Parched grasslands threaten to catch fire

We’re overdressed in pants and bra!

Cute gecko crossing backdoor step

Some shady spot keen to detect…

 

Clay courts at Melbourne’s Open roast

The world’s inferno? No mean boast!

Cold water pipes in fierce sun bake,

To Hell with chores - they all can wait!

 

More torrid outside than within;

To sleep “perchance to dream” is in!

Those wayward flies get frequent flick,

My fingers to the keyboard stick!

 

It’s a witches’ cauldron scene down here

The Aussie weathermen declare.

Where ‘Hot as Hell’ takes on real meaning;

While at the Top End, it is teeming!

 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Wilting!

Plants wilt in heat;* we humans too

But this, Down Under, isn’t new!

Peerless blue skies, lack of shade

No wonder people’s nerves are frayed.

 

Forget the gardening or the shops

Stop outside tasks – like watering pots!

Now’s not the time for heavy chores

With aircon on, just stay indoors.

 

While Europe braces for more snow

A daily walk is a no-no

A dawn stroll with one’s dog is fine

But best to go out before nine!

 

Most habitat is tinderbox

Even snakes hide under rocks;

In minutes, laundry is bone dry …

Hatless and your brains may fry!

 

The freezer, choc-à-bloc with food

In every household, fits the mood

As no one cooks from scratch – too hard

A new experience for this Bard! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* on 25-26 Jan 2026 = 45°C