Giving the Green Light?

The happy plant grows under glass
A commercial crop whose shadows cast
A darkness many step outside
But who can stem the growing tide?

The Green Party on the ABC*
Proclaims how they want things to be:
To harness hemp for Medicare
And recreation – if they dare!

Though many countries far away
Legislate – its use is grey
As those with epilepsy find
Its use is soporific, kind.

Known by a multitude of names
It calms the spirit in fast lanes
Inducing quiet meditation
In many cultures, West and Asian.

So should this pipe of peace be banned?
The jury’s out and flames are fanned
Which way should Australia vote?
The answer lost in clouds of smoke!

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

* ABC = Australian Broadcasting Corporation
1st country to legalise cannabis - Uruguay
Legal in Canada 17.10.2018

Cannabis sativa: Marijuana = Pot = Weed

Don't Bank on It!

Finance networks spread out wide
There is no secret we can hide
But that someone in the know
Blows the gaffe and fans the flow!

Yet how parochial is our stance
Oz friends and family look askance
As facts and figures are revealed
That many would prefer concealed.

Huge banking upset in S.A.*
Corruption! Costs they’ve had to pay
For advice that was never given
Now headline news - all gossip-ridden.

Heads will roll – war of attrition
Instant set up of Commission
To investigate the fraud …
A scandal Oz can scarce afford!

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

* South Australia

Behind Cellar Doors

Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale
South Australia’s Holy Grail
A bare hour’s drive from CBD
Near Adelaide – the place to be!

200 “Cellar Doors” await
Day trippers who soon congregate
In eager groups to taste the wine
From 16 regions – it’s divine!

The temperate climate in the plains
Sun-drenched in summer, winter rains
Provides white wines of noble class
So the industry is growing fast.

In the 19th century settlers new
Surveyed the scene and quickly knew
That wineries would grow and thrive
Hard working Germans would survive!

Today Australia’s best wines
Are a constant when one dines
Across the world their name is made
Another Aussie accolade!

(c) Poet in the woods 2018



Barossa Valley Winery

A Bit of Strine!

Out of my element I try
To capture new thoughts on the fly
Weird words and phrases glide on past
An interesting language task.

On chilly days one ”rugs up” well
You’re “daggy” when your dress sense’s hell
What happens in a “Boom Boom” room?
And may a “Happy Place” come soon!

Something that the jet set do
“Trailer Royalty” is new
The wealthy with smart mobile homes -
Mixed metaphor with overtones.

But the phrase that really takes the cake
Is Bondi surfers on the make
Who parade in trunks where all is seen
“Budgy Smugglers” reign supreme!

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

April Antics - Down Under!

What shall I write about today
As South Australia skies are grey?
Bush fires burn out of control
In New South Wales and take their toll.

The talk is all of clearing gutters
“To reduce fire risk”, one mutters
Autumn here is hard to take
Extremes of weather inter-State!

Umbrellas, rarely seen, abound
Damp leaf puddles all around
It’s Easter break with kids off school
Summer sun now medium cool.

Houses built for harsh bold heat
In brick and wood aren’t meant to meet
Harsh winters like in Northern climes
I find them cold in changing times.

Sport dominates on TV screen
As athletes in bright gold and green
Win a rash of medals at Gold Coast
Commonwealth Games where they are host.

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

The Dedication of Isabella

Isabella! What a pretty name
Reminiscent of the Spanish Main
Our little gem cute and petite
Beams a smile each time we meet.

Not yet 4 months, she steals the show
She’s a star – but does she know
Her coming makes our lives complete?
Hence this poem, not a tweet!

Thomas takes her in good part
Too small to play, she has his heart
Today the limelight is her due
Her dedication in Church pew.

In heritage robe of purest white
And Belgian bootees laced up tight
Martin and Angela are proud
To present their daughter to the crowd.

Admired by all yet far too young
To understand the praises sung
By a happy congregation
At this, her April dedication.

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

Australia under Clouds

Big Island, Continent and State,
Vast spaces one can contemplate
Green, yet parched, three months dry
Today, a rain cloud isn’t shy…

To the joy of many, here comes rain
A rush of water down street drain
The plants perk up, they’ve had it tough
But one flash shower ain’t enough.

The nearby creeks begin to flow
A time of change as sun sinks low
Perhaps a raincoat would be wise
Given all those leaden skies…

We’re on the cusp as days grow cool
Heat and cold winds play a duel
Backyards brighten, plants delight
And dust is thwarted – for one night!

Australia – despite tears on face
Keeps its strict fire ban in place
Now cars have headlights at midday
To keep the sudden grey at bay!

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

In Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens

Up in the Hills* round twisting road

A touch of autumn clearly showed
Leaf litter caught in boisterous wind
All panoramas russet-tinged.

Gullies filled with leafy fern
Japanese maple on the turn
A black swan graces mirrored lake
Steep slope to climb, photos to take!

Exotics and natives side by side
By sun-cracked path, small geckos hide
Blue skies and clouds that promise rain;
Three TV masts observe the plain.

Charcoal tree trunks on the rise
Fire ravages are no surprise
Prolonged drought means that flowers are few
The roses’ finest hour is through.

Bird life abundant, finches flit
While sprinklers, full on, do their bit
To compensate for lack of rain
On this parched, red earth terrain.

Spell-binding views through febrile fronds
Mother Nature proudly dons
A coat of many colours now
One word describes the scene – it’s "Wow!"

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

* The Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Melbourne-Bound!

We rise above the cotton clouds
Dark patches way below like shrouds
The mist clears: barren, criss-crossed plain
Australia cries out loud - for rain.

Huge black arrows on the wing
Exit door just one row in
Reflections on the fuselage
We tip and roll – a lake looms large.

On board, this daytime Melbourne flight
Is fairly full; ear phones delight
The “guests” who nod to Smart phone app;
A baby cries and will not nap.

Virgin Oz has red-lipped crew
Who serve a sweet snack passing through
Beside me tattooed man, asleep
I gaze outside from window seat.

The engine hum reverberates
Inducing dreamy mental states
We switch off, lulled by background buzz
Our minds in neutral, as one does.

We’re barely in the air an hour
Yet vast expanses soon devour
From Adelaide - twelve hours by car
But why sweat it out so far?

(c) Poet in the woods 2018

A Snapshot of Hallett Cove

Dead kangaroo on roadside verge
No night-time lighting where roads merge
Rosellas, rainbow parakeets
Wide and empty suburb streets.

“Thirsty Camel” bottle shops
Autumn’s coming – change the clocks!
Winter fashions now on line
Yet fire ban still in force – big time!

Beaches empty down the coast
Erratic boulders - local boast
Hallett Cove and Glacier Park
Chocolate rocks – striations stark.

Tough vegetation gnarled and bent
South Pole rollers tired and spent
Crash upon the pebbly shore
Where fishing boats are seen no more.

Along the coastline low-rise homes
Red earth yards - fence-free – no gnomes
All balconies and patio
This Lucky Country has no snow!

The lack of traffic is a plus
Most own cars; rare sight – a bus!
School kids wear hats against the glare
Water bottles everywhere!

Norfolk pines and palm trees sway
Picnic tables all the way
McLaren Vale known for its wines
Unending miles of tended vines.

Nature’s gift - warm sun, blue skies
Each time I come here I’m surprised
This slower pace means time to chat
It seems that Europe’s lost all that…

(c) Poet in the woods 2018



Hallett Cove chocolate rocks - South Australia