Flipping the Focus!

Perspectives change when one’s abroad

As jetlag makes reactions flawed…

The world ‘Down Under’ talks of spring

Where birds and butterflies take wing!

 

The days grow longer, more intense

So, talk of winter makes no sense!

While sport’s a big pull – all enthuse

And how New Zealand votes* - is news!

 

Life, meanwhile, goes on elsewhere

Though ‘Big Isle’ emphasis is rare;

An Aussie icon is derailed

The Flagship ‘David Jones’ has failed!

 

The Ukraine war knocked off top spot

By departure of iconic shop!

With floods and storms, we are beset

For 'foreign' news – check Internet!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* On 7th November, 2026

The David Jones store, an Australian icon, founded  in 1838, goes into receivership.

A Peck of News

At fever pitch the days pass by

Under an uncertain sky;

I scan the news – more sport comes up

“Point of Law” wins Melbourne Cup…

 

Storms flood Queensland, monsoon rains

Cause chaos - overwhelming drains.

Trees fall like matchsticks in the street…

Antigua sees G20 meet!

 

Although we’re not out of the woods

Relaxing rules for BREXIT goods …

High-speed rail crash down in Spain

Oz Interest rates go up - again*!

 

A hotch-potch of assorted views;

Now U.S. Mid-Terms make the news:

 Blue fights Red and ups the pace

Soon time will tell who wins the race!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia) = 4.85%

"Point of Law" Melbourne Cup winner 2026

ridden by jockey Ethan Brown

November 4th, 2026 - the mid-term Blue wave!

 

A November Notion

New poems don’t just write themselves

There needs to be a tiny spark;

Ideas don’t just fall off shelves

There must be promptings from the heart.

 

I wonder, do you get my drift?

Seeking, dare I say it, views

As through politics I sift

And try to make sense of the news.

 

That the world’s gone mad, we know

Who has the applecart upset?

Behold today’s bitcoin fiasco!

Rush of Fake News on the Net …

 

Where will it all end, you ask;

When dreams of peace remain just that;

Time teaches us all things will pass;

In every age the dice are stacked!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

 

News Breakfast - 26th October

Jetlagged, I watch Down Under News:

Sport prevails – I don’t enthuse;

Queensland now beset by floods

Roads badly blocked by river sludge!

 

As I have often said before

The climate here is rough and raw

From teeming rain to lengthy drought

Extremes of all kinds catch us out!

 

Drive-by shootings on the rise;*

New Western Sydney airport flies

Its first international flight

A press sensation overnight!

 

High cost of living causes grief

So, foodbanks help provide relief.

But Europe’s riots – here unknown

Make Adelaide a gentler home.

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* 4 people shot near Logan, S.E. Queensland

Western Sydney International Airport - just opened!

 

A Flit through Fiji

We journeyed through Pacific skies

While Fiji staff in turquoise guise

Passed down the aisles with food trays hot

But was it meal-time? I think not!

 

Tired of Britain’s sludge and snow

My loved ones went South long ago

To land of mangoes and good wine;

Australia’s lifestyle suits them fine!

 

Post touch-screen films seen through a haze

I’m grounded now in twilight phase!

My body - rhythms new must make;

Though dark outside - I’m wide awake!

 

Named for William’s* barren queen,

Adelaide has come to mean

 A haven from life’s Sturm und Drang;

Whose festivals have worldwide span!

 

My roots, alas, have grown too deep;

Wee Belgium gives me happy feet

But every winter I take flight

To swop dull grey for bright sunlight! 

(C) Poet in the woods 2026

* Adelaide was founded in 1836 in the reign of King William IV and Queen Adelaide (1830-1837)

Dawn Delights!

I wake up on a brand-new day

With the world I know asleep;

Dawn breaks across the misty bay

Pink glow makes life complete.

 

Wide estuary* sees ships go by

Small fishing smacks accost

I’m lucky as it’s warm and dry

Though mountain views** are lost.

 

Framed weeping willows offer shade

A squirrel shoots straight past

Much varied wild life on parade

Small insects hide in grass…

 

Blue numberplates of local cars

Enhance B.C.’s bold claim;

It merits certainly five stars

This Autumn without rain!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Fraser River

** Grouse Mountain - 1,231 metres/ 4,100 ft.

Iona Beach - Sea Island

To take a back seat, far from care

Allows the soul to breathe pure air;

A stroll invites along the dyke:

Sea Island sees large planes take flight!*

 

Geese huddle in a long white line

Breezes dip and whip up brine

A fluffy cloud the skyline dulls…

The silence broken by the gulls.

 

Jutting out to choppy waves

A promenade arrests my gaze

Where ant-like people walk the line;

Beneath their feet – a city’s grime…

 

As here vast sewers reach the sea

Where offshore winds chase out debris...

Iona Beach is quiet, discrete

Rough gravel paths for sandalled feet.

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Site of Vancouver airport