Easter Monday - on Awakening ...

I rise from slumber, the sun shines

It’s after eight, but no one minds;

On Easter Monday no bells chime,

Another whole day to call mine!

 

We long for peace but wars pervade …

More young souls find early grave;

In dire straits indeed (no pun);

The price of gas shocks everyone!

 

Yet, Easter means a well-earned break

 Watch sales of choc eggs escalate!

Here, Nature’s coat has verdant sheen;

For those well-heeled – a change of scene…

 

In woodlands nearby, bursts of song

Brave birds - for winter has been long;

They herald brighter, hope-filled days;

Their upbeat tempo my soul sways …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Not to be Sniffed At!

Another blank page glares at me!

Out in warm sun I’d like to be

Admiring Wordsworth's daffodils …

But I have ‘flu; am taking pills!

 

A honking cough, my lights sink low

I wrap up warm and take life slow

Obliged to cancel rendezvous

As sharing bugs ain’t what I do!

 

My sense of taste and smell - denied!

The dreaded ‘lurgy’ takes a ride

And snaffles all my ‘joie de vivre’;

Hence, paper hankies fill my sleeve!

 

So much for roast lamb feast with friend;

All things considered, I should spend

This Easter Day in bed – alone

With no companion but my phone!

 

These bugs are a real scourge, I’m told;

 Should I blame the constant cold

Which still pervades, although it’s Spring?

This Easter has a hollow ring …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

A Pre-Easter Message!

Damn sniffles and a sudden sneeze

Caught perhaps from icy breeze

Which holds us firmly in its grasp;

But surely, Spring has come at last?

 

Zingy ginger in my tea

 And lemon for vitamin C!

A second cardigan is wise

To warm me under sullen skies!

 

I need a scarf when I go out

A hassle I could do without;

This change of hour and lack of sleep

Combine to make my Muse less sweet!

 

But Easter looms - my wishes go

To all ‘out there’ who read my flow

Of thoughts, reflections, points of view…

It cheers me up to write for you!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Tram Access to the Airport?

Will Brussels build tram track at last

To take us to the airport* fast?

Such projects sound well-oiled, secure

Linguistic borders – be aware!

 

Here, politics can be a trial

I know, as I’ve been here awhile!

But public transport absorbs stress

As we can read, scroll down or rest!

 

More parking spaces disappear;

With petrol at the pumps so dear

There are those who in a fret

Decide to use their “trottinette”!

 

For safety reasons – a new law

Helmets must be worn by all!

More legislation and more fuss …

Thank goodness Boitsfort has its bus**!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

** STIB bus 17

* At Zaventem Airport

At the Imagination Club

We’re all so busy and so stressed;

Which boring task should we do next?

Thank goodness I work “à la carte”

With time off – to enjoy the park!

 

A clump of bluebells bring delight

I pass them on my way tonight

They cluster, roadside, by a tree:

A spot of colour – just for me!

This workshop* helps all types share views;

Smart thoughts “outside the box” enthuse

I listen carefully and admire

Offbeat reactions which inspire!

 

Each person names his own balloon

Then punches it across the room!

Next, round a “human tree” we form

A story and new links are born.

 

We pair with someone we don’t know

In silence, just armed with “play doh”

To imagine and create

A joint venture; it was great!

 

Imagination – to the fore!

Such fun to meet, greet and explore

The arcane workings of our minds;

Deep contemplation often binds!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Entitled " Body, Movement and Silence"

The creative mauve flower!

With Spring in my Step!

It’s Monday – a new week begins;

I do the laundry, empty bins

Gaze at the sky, pale shade of grey

And ponder on my tasks today.

 

While most of you are pressed for time,

And in crowded buses climb,

I watch the shadows now give way

To shafts of sunlight, which now play

 

Upon my terrace wall outside;

On growing buds, small insects hide.

The Great Awakening has begun

Winter’s cold embrace – undone!

 

Whatever happens, Nature thrives:

Its positive effect survives

So, once again, I don warm shoes

And walk, to chase away the blues!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

On the Tenth Anniversary

In a reflective mood today;

My terrace chairs, once put away,

Both clean and shiny, now await

My presence where I meditate.

 

Have you heard how sweet birds sing?

And daffodils form golden ring

Around trees in bright-green attired?

My Muse wakes up, once more inspired!

 

So many died ten years ago

In airport and Maelbeek metro

While others, who survived, still bear

Injuries requiring care…

 

What were YOU doing on that day*

When lives were shattered, torn away

From loved ones, as the die was cast

By ideologies held fast?

 

All innocent, all unprepared

So sudden, no time to be scared

A slice of life nipped in the bud

Memories encased in blood …

 

Was this Karma? Was this Fate?

We try to make sense and debate

The whys and wherefores of such acts;

Brave faces try to hide the cracks …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Terrorist attacks in Brussels on 22nd March, 2016