On Slam Poetry

Terms cutting-edge on screen I see

Life-long learning is the key!

Some idioms have a shelf-life brief

While others grow roots underneath.

 

Today’s young poets favour ‘slam’

A creative, stand-up gig which can

Evoke a mood through street-wise word

Or juxtapose ideas absurd.

 

Their adaptation takes less time

As such formats may not rhyme;

Unorthodox, their message rocks

Their audience joins up the dots.

 

Performance poetry strikes home

 Its impact, powerful, well known

Through open mike, it thrives on stage

Slam poetry has come of age!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Brussels 2024 poet laureate is Lisette Ma Neza

Visiting the Titanic Exhibition

Tour and Taxis esplanade: no clue

Shed Three is hidden from our view

Then modest sign of fabled liner

The pride and joy of its designer*…

 

I speak in riddles? Not at all

The Titanic holds us all in thrall

Its precious artefacts on show

Hauled up by divers from below!

 

Man’s hubris here reached dizzy heights

This ship, with New York in its sights,

Set sail before the first World War

In luxury not seen before.

 

It was Belfast’s pride and joy;

“Iceberg ahead!” from crow’s nest boy

But cumbersome, its turn too slow

Its hull was ripped, it sunk below …

 

Both rich and poor and hapless crew

Watched launch of twenty lifeboats new

Resigned alas to Neptune’s grave

Less than a thousand souls were saved…

 

Jewellery, tools and clothes imparted

Treasures of those who departed

Hoping to fulfil their dreams …

State rooms reveal those who had means.

 

Four-bunk-bed cabins for Third Class;

A microcosm of the past

Menus spoke of their last meal

To give all visitors a feel

 

Of life aboard in untold splendour;

Headlines screamed: Night to Remember!

Though 1912 was long ago

This fateful voyage haunts us so!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* Thomas Andrews (1873 - April 15th, 1912)

In Brussels until May 20th, 2024

Joy in the Allotments!

The wind gets up, the parks are closed

We stay well wrapped up in warm clothes;

This January has been bleak

With bad news reaching a new peak …

 

But lo! On Sunday with a friend

To the local market, hemmed

In by crowds all keen to buy

Their weekly goodies, I espy

 

In pert profusion round a tree

A wealth of snowdrops bobbing free

All basking quietly in the sun …

Sweet heralds of the spring to come!

 

Down muddy paths where brambles grew

The allotments beckoned - we strolled through

Vast enclosed space where Nature sleeps:

Yet buds in spiky hedgerow peep…

 

So, all’s not lost - bold plants revive

Immune to politics, they thrive

As their cheeky roots send feelers out

And teach us what life is about!

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

 

Four-Season April!

Wind, rain, hail, sun - in just one day?

Four seasons keep us on our toes

What to wear is no child’s play

Is this climate change? Who knows?

 

Another brolly breaks its back

As gusts of wind have attitude

I reach for scarf on hallway rack

This over-clothing shakes my mood…

 

It’s April, birds swoop overhead

Their nesting plan is well in hand

While I on cherry blossom tread

And wafts of pollen on me land.

 

A Nature Poet? Yes, indeed

Today - brief sunlight after rain

These constant squalls my walks impede;

Loud gurgling from a nearby drain!

 

My inner voice screams to be heard:

Best foot forward! Let’s stay zen!

Then the chirruping of one small bird

Prompts me to pick up my pen!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

The Mystic Art of Tree Hugging

We all crave hugs; ain’t that the truth?

Young, middle-aged and long-in-tooth

We like to feel that we belong

And someone else can sing our song.

 

But life is what it is, sometimes

And so, we read between the lines

It happens friends aren’t round to hear,

Console us and provide good cheer…

 

But Isabella, pink and pert

Is wise beyond her years, alert;

When you’re alone and no one’s free

Commune with nature - hug a tree!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

A Verdant Vision

One day for spring, is that enough?

Clouds veil the sun so it is tough

To plan a picnic in the park;

Long cycle rides soon lose their spark!

 

Spring green, however, paints the trees

Stems bob and curtsey in the breeze;

From winter’s deep sleep - birds awake:

Time to build nests and to mate!

 

Sense of renewal in the air

Despite Man’s folly, Spring is here!

Constant, faithful and all-knowing

Its cloak of velveteen Is showing!

 

Hope bathes in every mountain stream

And so, methinks, it’s always been

Dreams captured in a bright sunrise

Bringing joy to jaded eyes…

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

On a Warm April Day

Inspiring Nature when plants grow!

Seedlings cock a snook at snow,

And winds and raindrops shy away

As Spring takes centre stage today!

 

Twee daisies freckle well-trimmed lawn

Dandelions by hedgerows spawn

Bluebell and periwinkle greet

In mini clusters nearby street.

 

Roadworks disturb the status quo

Gravel piles up, puddles flow

But tiny leaves unfurl in sun

And isn’t cherry blossom fun!

 

Although the world news disappoints

Each longer day our hope anoints;

And how this nature bard delights

As sudden warmth my Muse ignites! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Brussels for Foodies!

 Brussels – home of sweet delights:

Hot chocolate on winter nights

Ballotins of lush pralines

Or tempting waffles with whipped cream.

 

A beer for each day in the year

White wine from La Gaume, I hear;

Try beef stew called “carbonnades”

And ‘tomates-crevettes’ 5-starred!

 

Our Dukes from Burgundy* ate well;

Their legendary feasts still sell

Here culinary arts survive

With eating out - a source of pride!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* they ruled Brussels in the 15th century

Easter Saturday - a Meditation

Easter Saturday - in tears

Belgian rain goes on for years

At least that’s how it seems to me;

As puddles flood in woodland lea.

 

The supermarkets - chock-à-block

Should we go for lamb – or not?

Our shopping trolley slowly fills

Non-stop tinkling of the tills!

 

Stacks of pascal cakes await

Eager shoppers who debate

Should they also offer cheese?

Existential problems these!

 

We’re lucky, here the choice is vast

Fruit and seafood vanish fast

Wines of all types make the cut

And as for Easter eggs – a glut!

 

Yet everywhere we go these days

Cardboard City meets our gaze;

So many, sadly, live alone

Or, what is worse, don't have a home...

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

On ChatGPT

Computers dominate our lives

With complications that surprise

We need smart passwords, brand-new codes

Our poor Memory Bank implodes!

 

Were I born at later date

I would find these skills innate

But in my day the personal touch

Made life easy and less fuss.

 

Of course, I don’t decry new ways;

I know A.I. is not a phase

Most businesses now run on-line

And updates challenge us – big time!

 

Is originality still key

When whizz-kids use chatGPT?

Plagiarism floods the Net

For real writers they’re a threat!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

= Chat Generated Pre-trained Transformer

A Royal Bench Mark

Alone, upon a bench in jeans,

With springtime flowers right behind

Catherine, poised and calm it seems

To her sad truth is inclined.

 

Poignant, with a touching grace

She says it “like it is” at last

Some tabloids now have mud on face!

To take it all in - a hard task…

 

School holidays mean kids at home;

That they must be told is raw

Gently these facts are made known;

Hope fights - but no one knows the score…

 

Hence as springtime comes in leaf

Mist and shadows shield the sun

As Mother Courage hides her grief

And prays for summer yet to come …

(c) Poets in the woods 2024

 

A Snowdrop Soliloquy

 I’m sure I saw some snowdrops in the lane,

Heard bird cries almost deafened by a plane

As Zaventem, the airport is close by

And flights disturb the peace of springtime sky.

 

In the woodland, just a stone’s throw from my home

I often like to meditate alone

And observe how warmer days awake from sleep

Nature’s hidden marvels which now creep …

 

Across the muddy pathways; tendrils preen …

South-facing moss has turned the tree roots green!

Birds splash in shallow puddles which display

On their mirrored surface, skies still grey…

 

And yet, despite Jan’s brief advent of snow,

This month of March provides a warmer glow;

Though the traumas of our world roll on (increase?)

Here among the beech trees, I find peace.

 (c) Poet in the woods 2024

 

In the Dog House

News item:  did I hear it right

On population growth - a blight?

It seems we ladies change our tune

And eschew having kids: High Noon!

 

We modern women now have choice

Motherhood – a quieter voice …

With the lure of earning, a career!

Why spend money on child care?

 

Companionship, a human need

Does not go away; indeed

On Tik Tok, Facebook and the like

Ladies still seek “Mr. Right”.

 

But their profile comes with canine friend

A faithful hound with whom they spend

Their precious free time after hours

 Constancy in sun and showers!

 

Of course they want a loving mate

Yet feel no need to procreate!

But sans the patter of small feet,

Our pension pot will soon deplete!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Gate 16 - Adelaide Airport

Proud silver bird with wings outstretched

Being delayed, our flight affects …

On sultry tarmac, trucks deploy

The DNATA catering van I spy.

 

Then a cavalcade – long baggage train;

Beyond it, Adelaide’s vast plain

In purple haze in heat intense;

Leaving my family is a wrench …

 

While modest “Virgin” planes cruise by

Singapore Airline’s on standby:

Fast turnaround with great precision

It so deserves its top position!

 

‘SQ’ - synonymous with style

How its hostesses beguile!

Demure and graceful, always sweet

As honoured guests each one they greet!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

A Moody Piece

A change of scene, of hemisphere

In Routine ‘s curtain, makes a tear

My mundane actions lose their bite

And attitudes change – overnight.

 

Winter months – in summer sun!

A change of mood, alternate fun

Not “upside down” but way-off-beam

In short, an otherworldly dream …

 

The fear of bushfires is intense

Cyclone damage is immense

But smiles can often make my day

Conferring warmth to my brief stay.

 

Australia seems so surreal;

Encapsulating how I feel

Depends perhaps on weather news

With little rain, how I enthuse!

 

Europe’s footprint here is light

My reference points are out of sight

But this land of settlers, history-scarce

Never fails to prompt my verse!

(c) Poet the woods 2024

Aborigine Dreamtime

Adoption - Australian Style!

In an outback town in far N.T.*

Peacocks and Peahens tend to be

A “Beautiful-But-Big” invasion

Who settle here sans invitation!

 

Town Elliott in consternation,

Hits nature headlines in this Nation

Out of all proportion to its size -

As this bird threat is on the rise!

 

Though a tourist pull, the residents

(All 287) are incensed

But these feral lovelies do not care

Bequeathing droppings everywhere!

 

Their high-pitched squawks now cause unrest

It’s not “No worries!” -  they’re a pest;

They’re bold and feisty, ruffle feathers

And thwart the townsfolks’ best endeavours!

 

So, the Mayor, McLaughlin, has a scheme

Perhaps a brand-new outback dream?

“Adopt a Peacock!” he intones

All can have one in their homes!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* Northern Territory

A splendiferous peacock!

Beyond the Fringe

The heat is on, in every sense

The urge to snooze midday – intense

But chores and shopping must be done

And fridges filled to kingdom come!

 

A fruit bowl décor is not wise

Opportunistic are Oz flies!

In no time clothes become bone dry

But elastic rots – undies bye! bye!

 

Shopping mall – aircon full blast

Otherwise, we sweat so fast!

And as for plants – they gasp for rain;

Watering - a daily strain!

 

A tiny gecko whizzes past

Ants nibble toes in the long grass;

Fire’s a risk – as many trees

Shed their leaves in slightest breeze.

 

Monsoon rains lash the Top End

Will Perth’s scorching summer end?

While Adelaide greets festive Fringe

And parkland crowds go on a binge!

 

‘Festival State’ on number plates;

Stand-Up comedy, debates

Concerts, music, cabaret

What wealth of talent on display!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

 The Adelaide Fringe: 16th February - 17th March, 2024

Under Pressure ...

The pressure mounts, world tension rises

From Middle East come bad surprises;

Dried up is that pool of calm

Our ‘qui-vive’ blocked in mode ‘alarm’.

 

Does life, dear Readers, still make sense?

I would not wish to cause offence

But everywhere the newsreels turn

Lie harsh lessons we must learn…

 

Injustice, violence and crime

Upset our joie de vivre – big time

Horrors roll out and increase;

Where can poor souls now find peace?

 

Good news rarely makes the cut;

As fear and drama and bad luck

Beset our human kind in waves

Conclusion: no one now behaves…

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

A Matter for Concern

Sweet February does its best

To be positive, unstressed

But with fewer days to shine

It’s Sturm and Drang most of the time!

 

I wonder – must we follow news?

The Media spotlights tragic views;

Climate change we can’t correct

But human folly floods the Net!

 

Those in power stir the pot;

How can voters* stop the rot?

Flotsam and jetsam on life’s wave

Common sense is what we crave…

 

Angst, that clever German word,

Describes our modern world absurd;

The thought we cannot rule events

Is what makes us humans tense …

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* e.g. at the November 2024 US Presidential Election

A Dilemma - in the Making ...

World politics – a checkerboard

With hidden moves oft untoward;

Elections just past or to come

Keep smart pundits on the run.

 

A Greek philosopher* once said

Be careful whom you choose as head

Think awhile, don’t lose your nerve

You get the leaders you deserve!

 

In the highest echelons of power

Corruption eats away truth’s flower;

Two candidates across the Pond

Delude us, each with magic wand…

 

There comes a time when memory loss

Can disqualify a boss

Yet with a trump card in the mix

This will prove no easy fix!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* Plato

At the "Friendly Street Poets" Event

A Monday eve in CBD*

A new adventure on the spree

In Adelaide, down shady street

Where like-minded poets meet.

 

Born back in 1975

The ‘Friendly Street Poets’ thrive

And hold a monthly « open mike »

In Regent Street on Monday night.

 

I did not know what to expect

But many keen types here connect

With fellow poets - all instilled

With love of words – and I was thrilled!

 

Up winding staircase, warehouse style

At six p.m. the rank and file

All armed with sheaves of penned delights,

Attempt to put the world to rights.

 

First names only ; cheers for those

Who capture precious moods in prose;

We’ve just three mins to make our mark

At Number 9, I too take part.

 

Quite unknown, I happened by

Life surprises - on the fly;

A chance encounter, brain food fun:

Thanks for my moment in the sun !

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

* Central Business District

With convenor Susan O'Brien

Where Women Glow!

My Muse goes AWOL in the heat

When every day the sun I greet

I try but fail to find new themes

Is this what retirement means ?

 

With ne’er a cloud in peerless sky

All laundry in no time is dry

While aircon hums like sleepy bee

I just read books or make Mum tea.

 

« News Breakfast » TV : Middle East

Humanitarian needs increase ;

Here in Oz sharp rental hike

Disgruntled Aussies go on strike !

 

Moisturising body cream

Protects and adds a vital sheen

So, why wear make-up in this heat ?

Beware gnarled cracks in sandalled feet !

 

Slow pace of life in torrid times

Where loose clothing now defines

The Southern chic so, I obey;

Forgotten - winter’s northern grey !

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

Australia Day - a Meditation

Australia, land of sharp contrasts,

Where settlers, from a myriad pasts

Made new lives in rough terrain

Beset by droughts, deluged by rain!

 

The poor First Nation had no voice

Those who were born here had no choice

But to accept the White Man’s Law

Their lives quite different from before…

 

Where sheep and gold were common sights

Injustice, land grabs, lack of rights

Lay hidden in “Australia Fair”

But they were here before – so there!

 

Now multi-culti through and through

Though Aussie “Citizens” * are new,

On this, Australia Day, we meet

In harmony, not to compete.

 

As Tamworth** festival now ends

I learn of weird, non-music trends:

So, I am happy to report

Thong-tossing***  - brand-new national sport!

(c) Poet in the woods 2024

 * Official Australian Citizesnhip ceremonies began in 1949

** 10- day Musical Festival held in Tamworth, New South Wales.

*** This consists of throwing a flip-flop as far as it will go - with a  prize for the winner!

Note: Australia Day is 26th January.