Verdict!

It’s tough to forge a reputation

Unblemished as head of French Nation;

While ancient icons still inspire

Today’s may whither in Press fire!

 

Dark scandal swiftly blows away

Those who walk on feet of clay;

Do I speak in riddles? Have a think:

Who stoops in  murky pools to drink?

 

Ruthless ambition or pure greed?

Smart subterfuge is what you need

Allied with hefty pots of cash

To guarantee you cut a dash!

 

Much goes on behind the scenes

Perhaps not all is as it seems;

Take every presidential race

Who really has an honest face?

 

I do not criticize or blame

Nor do I mention any name;

You’ve heard the news and so have I;

A prison sentence? My, oh my!

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

 A clue?  N.S.

Mini-Chocoholics!

On holiday, off on the spree

A family outing planned to be

An excursion to a special spot

As chocolate always makes life rock!

 

A joyful ride to tasty tryst;

Temptation proves hard to resist

Behold Aladdin’s magic cave

Vast treasures on all sides displayed!

 

From floor to ceiling sweet delights

Dazzling views for little mites!

Positioned right at centre stage

They fix Mum’s lens with sharp, shrewd gaze.

 

Thomas and Isabella smile

Pure happiness, devoid of guile;

With constant ring of tills nearby

Too many choices; what to buy?

 

Though cellophane is soon undone

Bright packaging is half the fun

This Dolce Vita, Aussie-style,

Spawns memories for quite a while! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

Whither Post-Merkel?

As this Indian summer warms our days

Blessing autumn with bright glaze

The leaves are barely on the turn

Still potent green on tree and fern.

 

But Germans set out for the polls

To vote new leader and new goals

As the Age-of-Merkel soon will be

A stepping stone in history…

 

As Boadicea seen by some

Or suave politician next to none

A powerhouse with a strong voice;

Who now will be the Germans’ choice?

 

Through uncertainty in many spheres

The voice of reason down the years

Her footsteps will be hard to follow;

Behold the beans all spilled tomorrow!

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

An Impossible Task?

Life’s tough for journalists these days

When “Breaking News” upsets front page

As the speed at which the bad times roll

Means “posts” are shifted with each goal!

 

The Canary Isles hit by a quake

As La Cumbre Vieja* starts to shake

Then south of Melbourne** tremors spread

Awaking Aussies in their bed!

 

To such disasters we’re now prone;

Will the “wrath of God” make us atone

For profligate and selfish lives?

Amazingly, such fear survives …

 

World politics - a bumpy ride

When all Press freedom is denied;

Journalists may risk their necks

Attempting to report unrest…

 

While sharp reporters on-the-spot

Try to make sense of each plot,

Contrasting views invade big time

Vox populi has moved on line!

 

It’s been said once and will again:

To ascertain the truth’s a strain;

 As fake news often stirs the pot

 We all must work out – what is what!

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

*  On island of La Palma: 19th September, 2021

** 22nd September, 2021

Thoughts on the International Day of Peace

To uncertainty we all are prone

Via screen or mobile phone

There’s much that likes to jerk our chain

Tough situations to explain …

 

Social media swoops down low

On those who doubt the status quo

News items flash past, super-fast

Soon politicians are outclassed.

 

That life hangs by a thread, is true

Who will be next – me or you?

World stability a dream

Wars play out on mobile screen!

 

Our planet trembles; it is hurt

It is time our loins are gird

Glasgow’s summit – COP*

Will try to plan how things should be.

 

This Indian summer spreads new hope

As winter seems far off, remote;

A gentle lull in warm sweet air

But soon more dark clouds will appear!

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

* Conference of the Parties: Climate Change Conference 31st Oct - 12th November, 2021

The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.

Boitsfort Greets the Runners!

It’s Sunday, time to take a pause;

Wow, it’s balmy out of doors!

Once more the 20 Ks takes place

This Marathon is one tough race.

 

 I thought it would be fun to cheer

In Boitsfort centre - they pass here!

Place Wiener when the weather’s fine

Is a pleasant place to pass the time…

 

Main roads cordoned off with tape

Where passers-by soon congregate;

Enthusiastic drummers drum

Keeping pace with those who run.

 

Most enter to support a cause

Cheered on by audience applause;

Some buoyed with elegance and style

While others find the course a trial!

 

Shorts and green tutus on display;

Spa bottles seen in droves today …

With COVID pass, masks not required

So, we observe their faces – tired…

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

Nine-Eleven - A Meditation

September, the year on the turn

Damp mornings, dew on grass and fern

Clouds shelter us from rays that burn

Kids back at school;

Advent of fun evening classes,

Waning light each day that passes

A triple jab – COVID catharsis?

 New-normal rule?

 

Yet twenty years have rolled on by

Since two planes crashed in Autumn sky

Life as we knew it gone awry,

New York in shock;

No journalists were on the scene;

CNN footage came to mean

Two burning towers were the theme

Around the clock.

 

A sudden toppling into dust…

Victims jumped, died burned or crushed;

A devastating deadly hush

Hard to believe …

The U.S. shaken to the core

Sought the truth - its feelings raw:

Fear, determination, war …

And still, they grieve …

(c) Poet in the woods 2021

WTC Memorial

 

On Father's Day - 2021

Down Under with Spring on its way,

A September date* is Father’s Day

Hence this photo, full of smiles

Which reaches me across the miles!

 

The little ones are growing fast;

How they’ve enjoyed their latest task:

Unique creations made with flair

To show Dad just how much they care!

 

Thomas writes on turquoise blue

While Isabella’s “heart” shines through

Against a background rainbow-hued

Hence my brother’s joyful mood!

 

Thomas to Mum’s lens reacted

While Isabella looks distracted;

I wonder what goes through her mind,

Did she her oeuvre forget to sign?

 

Not famous yet; perhaps one day

She’ll put great art upon display

Meanwhile, I’m privileged to share

These family joys; sad I’m not there …

(c) Poet in the woods 2021  

* 5th September, 2021

Tree-Mend-Us!

Buckets packed up neat with spades;

Last days of summer – sunlight fades

The back-to-work theme now pervades

Each waking thought;

Chilly mornings bow and sway

Harassed parents plan their day

With early school run – hip, hooray!

Agendas - fraught …

 

But those who earn their crust at home

Via internet or mobile phone

Rarely have cause to bemoan

Their status quo;

Frequent trams mean shorter waits

But queues now form outside school gates

Reviving car parking debates

On traffic flow …

 

Should we fear another spike?

We’re all vaccinated, right?

Though rules for COVID-trips are tight,

Hope hangs in there!

Sometimes Nature holds the key;

As the majesty of a tall tree

Helps us perceive eternity

Beyond despair … 

(c) Poet in the woods 2021