At Slower Pace

Sport and weather fill the news

Down Under: European views

Rarely make Breakfast T.V.

Hermetic lifestyle – I’m at sea!

 

Boxing Day – mad shopping spree

Cricket crowds at MCG*

A fatal shark attack – teen dies

All this under blue, blue skies.

 

With jetlag trauma in the past

These summer days have chilly blast

Friends drop by with homemade treats;

I take a walk down leaf-strewn streets.

I stroll alone as cars whizz by

Threat of rain, though it stays dry

Of scorching sun there is no trace

‘Fire Season’ signs seem out of place.

 

Australia - country of extremes

For early settlers – land of dreams

Where suburbia spreads to barren waste

And life is lived at slower pace...

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

* MCG - Melbourne Cricket Ground

Post Boxing Day

Amazingly, this Christmastide

Lacks burning sun from which to hide!

Oz Top End: hailstorms swirl round towns

Wild water surges, lone soul drowns …

 

Fierce floods and storms wash cars away

Cut power lines make Yuletide grey

While volunteers and rescue teams

Rush to assist at crisis scenes.

 

Down South, the picture is reversed

As drought and bushfires do their worst;

Tinder dry, winds fan tall flames –

Homes vanish leaving charred remains!

 

And that’s not all, as on the Net

Climate change makes link direct:

Hayfever victims on the rise

Months of snuffles and sore eyes…

 

No drought, no storms in Adelaide;

Damp skies mean fire risk delayed

Though not as warm as one would like

All I I miss is star-filled night! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

Musing at Seacliff Beach

Smart helicopter scans from skies

As marauding sharks may threaten lives

The tide is out, vast sands exposed

Sunday families, scanty clothes …

 

Deep blue horizon, wispy streaks

Umbrellas mushroom on the beach

Though hats are worn against the glare

It’s time-out time and laissez-faire.

 

Oz voices raucous, dogs sniff past

We sit in tree shade on tough grass

Near bark-chip playground climbing frame:

It’s swings and roundabouts again!

 

Old wooden bench bakes in this heat

The hunt is on for cool retreat;

From time-to-time fast motor boat

Creates bold waves in view remote.

 

The sparkling surface of the sea

Creates a vision just for me;

First Nation’s Dreamtime – source of awe

Eternity on lapping shore …

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

South Australia

  

View from the Antipodes

Back in Australia one more time

I customize my ears to Strine

Whose words truncated and locution

Lead to amusement and confusion.

 

With floods near Cairns, “Mud Armies” strive

To pick up goods left at kerbside

As sofas, fridges, tableware

Are damaged far beyond repair!

 

Down in New South Wales, it’s worse

Incipient bushfires are a curse

Roads are blocked by walls of flame

But Acts of God no one can blame.

 

Rescue teams are activated

Insurance agents inundated

Claims for compensation rise

While each gallant neighbour tries

 

To lend a hand in time of need

But power cuts fast work impede;

The festive spirit starts to fray

As well-wrapped gifts are washed away…

 

Economic downturn in NT*

Sees empty shops in CBD**

As leases fail to be renewed

Given high costs now for food.

 

But world focus stays on Middle East

With hope for fragile Yuletide peace

While in the Gaza Strip more die

Under drone and rocket sky…

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

*    In Darwin

** Central Business District

 

Isabella - at Six!

Sweet Isabella shows her hand

Down Under - celebrations planned

It’s party time for our young Miss

Her special day of happiness!

 

Observant, she does well at school

With knowing look – she’s no one’s fool!

Although young, she plays many parts

She’s on the road to breaking hearts.

 

As daughter, sister and my niece

Her skills and competence increase!

Adored by all, our little gem

Delights all audiences - pro tem.

 

But also shows determined streak

Ebullient, and quite unique!

She stands out, shining in the crowd

We’re biased, yes – but oh, so proud!

 (c) Poet in the woods 2023

 

Have Rucksack - will Travel!

Alone, no chats, most SMART-phone wired

Time zone journeys make me tired

Endless corridors, bright light

Security palaver – tight!

 

Frankfurt – vast pulsating hub

Lufthansa – unexciting grub!

Turbulence rocks big-bird plane

Full to the gunwales - once again!

 

A world away in Singapore

Lush orchids garden in main hall

Sweet fragrant blooms with palms and ferns

Prove Nature holds its own, and spurns

 

The brash displays of gifts alluring;

The God of Merchandise is purring!

I watch some jaded families go

From gate to gate – small kids in tow!

 

Long waiting times mean anguished faces

The price to pay for going places?

It’s sultry here in evening glow

My winter overcoat I stow.

 

While the tinkling fountains ever flowing

Accompany the tourists going

Eager-eyed to sunny climes

Not many now dressed to the nines!

 

Sneakers, jeans and casual wear

Now seem, unspoken, de rigueur

But there are signs of Christmas buzz:

Posh purchases are what one does!

 

My case checked through,  is re-directed

Fingers crossed; we’ll be connected!

When I touch down in Adelaide

For family Christmas – long delayed …

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

Adelaide Airport - new development

This Time of Trial

What a year it’s been – all fits and starts

Disasters  - causing broken hearts

As climate change comes to the fore;

Old Greek God Ares threatens war…

 

Ukraine’s young people bear the brunt

Of Man’s folly at the Front;

In Venezuela tension rises

As land disputes provoke grave crisis...

 

So, I conclude good news is rare

With ideals crumbling everywhere

As Injustice, Poverty, Starvation

All make unwelcome visitation.

 

The poet on the sideline stays

With saddened but perceptive gaze

Reflecting on life’s ups and downs;

How hollow Christmas cheer now sounds …

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

 

It's a Steal!

Sharp nip in air breeds chilly fingers

Frost snaps off each leaf that lingers

Cold evenings in the gloom extend…

I wear suede gloves, gift of dear friend.

 

Small dogs sport jackets neat and smart

On grey pavements they impart

In today’s world, proof supreme

That their owners’ hearts stay green!

 

The homeless, with no place to go

Skulk in corners, fearing snow

Their desperate plight on daily view

For Brussels shelters are too few…

 

Sales of winter thermals soar

But must one venture out the door?

Sub-zero chill makes wreathes of mist,

Coats our windscreens, snowflake-kissed.

 

Around enticing mulled wine stalls

The presence of police recalls

Old * Fagin’s would-be protégés;

As wallets find new homes today!

(c) Poet in the woods (2023)

* Pickpocket "King" in Charles Dickens'  novel "David Copperfield".

November - through a Looking Glass

 I heard her on the bus complain

“I hate November – too much rain!”

But hey, I have to remonstrate;

My birthday month I celebrate!

 

The days draw in but Christmas lights

Bring a sparkle to dark nights

Trees lose their leaves but show more sky

The silver moon winks glibly by.

 

Warm house, mulled wine post chilly walk

Friends gather round firesides and talk;

The lure of books I can’t resist -

Cheap book-sale thrillers* with-a-twist!

 

Being mindful makes me smile

Time to meditate a while

Enjoyment rewards different views;

To keep sane, I switch off the news …

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

* Thanks to Serve-the-City :-)

On Hope ...

What a world in chaos! Deep mistrust

Edges many dreams with dust

Dead certs wobble, disappear;

Don't we wonder why we’re here?

 

And yet, a flame of hope survives

Albeit now with saddened eyes;

'Cos however black things seem to be

A bright new sunrise there will be!

 

Though wheels of fortune rise and fall

And life on earth is a tough call

We get to climb back up life’s rope

As in Pandora’s box lies hope …

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

Note: written for a local competition ...

Wanted - A Brussels Laureate!

So, the hunt is on, in media speak

To find a Laureate this week!

A poet who can pen pert lines

Encapsulating Brussels times.

 

What’s not to like? I played my hand

But French and Dutch rule in this land

(Though English comes a frequent third)

Will my modest plea be heard?

 

The judges’ panel is diverse;

Will they like my blog of verse?

What chance do bards stand from afar?

I hitch my wagon to a star …

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

A Touch of Gold

Late Autumn stuns us with its views

Despite the dampness, I enthuse

It’s full-blown WETFLIX in the round;

Excited kids kick leaves around!

 

November in the dripping rain

Bold droplets slash my windowpane;

Leaves russet, golden, ochre, red

Coat the paving stones I tread.

 

Nature, fleeing summer heat,

Casts bright mosaics at our feet

Jewelled splendour for those in-the-know …

What’s not to like? A five-star show!

 

I gaze with wonder down my street

Where falling leaves form rainbow neat;

Keats* loved this season all aglow

He too took time to tell us so!

 

Lone voice perhaps, but I admire

These leafy woodlands which inspire

My Muse on this damp, chilly day

Where wind and leaves chase blues away!

(c) Poet in the woods  2023

John Keats (1795-1821)  See his poem: "To Autumn"

 

Speakeasy

Tread gently; with your friends, be fair

Reassure them that you care

Who knows aught of their inner trials?

Being there is key – share smiles.

 

Perhaps we just don’t bear in mind

The words we speak; have we been kind?

What impulse makes us dish the dirt?

Souls may tremble, sorely hurt…

 

Glib tabloids often go too far

They zoom in on Celebs’ faux-pas

Good, hard-won reputations crash

While gossip columns rake in cash!

 

 Jests voiced in alcoholic haze

May fester and wound hearts for days;

Skilled body language may give clues

But can we fit our neighbour’s shoes?

 

Tact these days is sadly rare;

Damned gossip mills turn everywhere

Now speak-before-we-think is boss

 More fragile egos take a toss… 

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

OK, the title is a pun!

Mike - In Memoriam

Memories surface – I recall

His lilting voice, its rise and fall;

Generous to a fault, he’d share

His time and wine; my man had flair!

 

With French and German quite at home

His diplomatic skills - well honed

His travel schedule – often tight

But presence on stage - a delight!

 

A Scorpio optimist with charm

Proud to have me on his arm

On this, his birthday, I recall

For twenty years we had a ball…

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

MC: 16th November, 1937 - 4th January, 2005

Chez Joske

November: though the day was wet

This afternoon we’ll not forget!

Fun labyrinth in St. Josse street

With wealth of local folk to meet!

 

An Aladdin’s cave, in candlelight!

Whose marvels, all home-made, delight

Noel bonanza in profusion

Owner-poet in collusion!

 

We tread on well-worn hallowed ground

Brussels folklore – in the round!

Assorted presents on display;

The urge to buy won’t go away!

 

Plus, guided tour up flight of stairs;

We sit, spellbound, in comfy chairs!

Haven of true Brusseleir**

This treasured moment let us share!

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

"Joske Maelbeek" reciting one of his delightful poems in Brussels dialect to a very appreciative audience. He is regular contributor to the Brussels History Magazine :-)

** The local Brussels dialect, a hotch-potch of different languages ...

Atelier

Some Existential Thoughts

Where is our Sun, our guiding light?

This sharp metaphor has bite

As leaden skies blight stoutest hearts

Snuffing out our happy sparks…

 

Life scampers on at frantic pace

“All systems go!” in madcap race;

So, who now dares to step outside

This weird maelstrom and joyride?

 

Social media wraps us round

Work commitments weigh us down

Sure-fire certainties decay

In full thirty shades of grey!

 

But, ruled by Jupiter, I try

To quit this swamp wherein we lie;

When inattention drags us down…

Friends, thank God, won’t let us drown! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2023