To Bordeaux by Bicycle!

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!

 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* 7th étape - 175 km

Held between July 4th - 26th, 2026

For Marco and Jacky!

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

Photo of Jacky and Marco c/o Suzanne!

A Devilishly Good Game!

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

Dust Bunnies Beware!

Summer often brings a lull;

There is now time enough to cull

Items we no longer use:

Old pans, worn out clothes and shoes.

 

But let’s not of ‘dust bunnies’ speak!

Sun’s rays highlight where they creep

At back of shelves, on skirting board

And other places untoward …

 

“Too hot!”, I hear you cry out loud:

Cleaning shouldn’t be allowed;

Exploring Nature in the sun

Beats getting boring housework done!

 

The trouble, Gentle Reader, is

That clutter puts us in a tizz;

Too much “stuff” our souls annoy;

Unwanted burdens kill our joy…

 

We roll our sleeves up in this heat

Determined still to make lives “neat”;

While granted that it isn’t fun,

What happiness when all is done!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

1549 Lives Again!

Charles the Fifth and his proud lad

Admire the city’s wealth and might;

As with flags and fanfare, brightly clad

Renaissance splendour comes to life!

 .

The year was 1549

Charles, prematurely aged, came here

To show young Philip, next in line,

The mighty Empire he would steer!

 

This re-enactment in Grand’Place

In full regalia, each July

Draws locals and tourists en masse

To briefly capture times gone by…

 

This Ommegang, this rich parade,

Expresses one man’s power - unique

Built on a dynasty and trade …

Where still today, great nations meet!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

 

Manneken-Pis In Charles V Hunting Costume

R.I.P. Penelope Keith (1940-2026)

For gold-standard light relief

Penelope Anne Constance Keith

Captured hearts and minds on stage

With laughter spilling on each page.

 

Think accent from Home Counties pool

That plummy voice – so convent school

Staccato tones – cut with a knife

What comic timing – art as life!

 

Who else but “To The Manor Born”

Could all others out-perform?

“The Good Life” – Gerry by her side …

In thrall she held us – nationwide.

 

This art of repartee is rare

How we loved her style, her flair …

Alas, she’s taken her last bow

So, we must soldier on somehow ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

She died on 29th June, 2026 aged 86 from cancer.

The Art of Intrigue

To be ‘on song’, to catch one’s drift

Are concepts poets use with thrift;

Ideas conveyed which ‘hit the spot’

Evoke reactions, ‘stir the pot’…

 

In up to twenty lines, the theme

Must be à propos and clean,

Pertinent and to the point

So, noses aren’t knocked out of joint!

 

Hence, method in my madness rules

I observe life, watch top news reels

And try to capture in my net

A nugget which makes you connect!

 

And shucks, I’m flattered and amazed

How many of you* find my page;

Do I raise a smile or two

Or make you think? I hope I do!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* well over a million to date!