Lunch Date in Ixelles

I met up with good friend this week

We dined on spicy Thai - a treat!

We’ve knocked around for many years

And share a love for writing spheres.

 

Discussions ranged from this to that

During our long lunchtime chat

But illness and the loss of friends

Became a theme that never ends…

 

Despite the wan sun through the glass

We tripped down dark lanes of the past …

Recalling how life used to be

In Brussels back in Eighty-Three…

 

Alas, we cannot stop the clock;

We wonder when our lives will stop …

Meanwhile, what joy we still can meet

From time to time; yes, life is sweet!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Why Write Poetry?

It occurs to me from time to time

To wonder who will find my rhyme

Which sneaks onto the Internet

With no bright lights around its neck…

 

Unconsidered trifles fire my pen;

They pop up in my sights, and then

As though I’m running a fast race

Words jostle to fit into place!

 

I make no claim to magic skill

It’s just I make words rhyme at will

This hobby is such fun to share

And connect with YOU - out there!

 

We’re all plagued with too much ‘stuff’

And crisis-ridden news is tough

So, poetry is just my way

Of coping with the world today!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Magic Moments!

What magnificent magnolia

How its petals cling on tight!

All along the tramways

They’re such a happy sight.

 

Daffodils poke through the grass

Sweet heralds of the spring

And in the Jagerveld near me

Blue scillas form a ring!

 

My heart glows - it’s so thrilling;

Dark bushes soon turn green

While herbs sprout in my window box

Yes, Nature reigns supreme!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

A Walk along Boulevard du Souverain

 From Auderghem to Boitsfort

Leafy parks and ponds invite!

Egyptian geese splash in the sun

Quaint bridge upon my right.

 

Almost imperceptible

Stark branches show spring signs

A biting wind keeps buds in check

But vegetation climbs!

 

Forsythia adds a touch of gold

And daffodils stand to;

Lone fountain by old “Royale Belge”

Adds sparkle to sky blue ...

 

A host of students sketch the scene

I stop to watch them draw;

Tomorrow’s architects create

New vistas in the raw ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Some Frosty Thoughts

 Another blank page stares at me

Friends are busy, no one's free

Clouds hide the springtime sun from me

I’m feeling glum;

In politics, the outlook’s bleak;

Young Belgian actress* died this week:

“Rosetta’s” star swept off her feet

Her life half done…

 

Embarrassed, Belgium has to face

The fact no Government’s in place

Since June last – it’s a disgrace!

Surreal indeed;

Roadworks continue on “The Ring”

In this cold snap, what price Spring?

More talk of armaments is grim;

Today’s News feed …

 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Emilie Duquenne 1981 - 16.3.2025

On Kindness

It’s no good pretending,

We all grow old some day

Our lives are forward tending

In time we all go grey!

 

But many friends leave us too soon

By the Grim Reaper scythed

They vanish from our afternoon…

Just memories survive.

 

So, we owe it to ourselves to be

As pro-active as we can

Appreciation is the key:

Old Age – a precious clan!

 

We think of those who’ve gone before;

They spark our memory cells

Recalling them makes feelings raw

But kindness always tells …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

On the Cusp?

Mid-March but frost still dogs our steps

Though timid sunshine longer gets

I gaze into the misty sky

Scratched by bare branches but still dry.

 

Meanwhile on supermarket shelves

Chocolate eggs are sure-fire sells

Stacked high and swathed in cellophane

Easter beckons – on tight rein!

 

It’s tough to leave my cosy hearth

Clad in warm boots on woodland path

Each day more buds swell on the bough

Spring totters on the brink, and how!

 

Decision time – should gloves be worn?

I need a scarf to keep me warm

We’re on the cusp of season new

Spring cleaning beckons – I set to!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

A Chill, or a Thrill?

Damn! Wasn’t Spring well on its way?

Today’s chill takes my breath away!

Nonetheless, a happy thought:

Crocuses now grace my walk!

Brussels – on occluded front

Means we poor souls bear the brunt

Of weather patterns untoward

But see the greening of the sward!

 

Mother Nature, resolute

For politics cares not a hoot

But spreads her largesse on us all;

No trade tariffs make her stall!

 

Buds peep out boldly despite mist

Birds twitter and enjoy their tryst

Each day more sunshine melts our blues

So, in a word, it’s all good news!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

The Political Seesaw ...

Protection and free trade ignite

Polemics worldwide; we sit tight

As worried Macron holds the reins

All this, our nervousness explains.

 

A new riddle by this Bard

(Who finds that politics are hard;)

The stakes are high – we’re on the fence

Must we now finance our defence?

 

War is such an ugly word

But given now what has occurred

There is a joker in the pack

So sadly, there’s no turning back…

 

“If you want peace, prepare for war”!

Old Julius Caesar knew the score;

Each generation finds it tough

Once more, our ball rolls in the rough…

 

Will the power of words persuade?

We’re crisis-ridden and afraid;

Uncle Sam and Russian Bear

Flex their muscles – so beware!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

For Dolly Parton

 News flash!  The ending of a dream;

How sad for she who sang “Jolene”:

Death of her soul mate called Carl Dean

At eighty-two…

Though she has garnered worldwide fame

Her “Nine to Five” won’t be the same…

Now Dolly Parton’s long, long reign

Is tinged with blue.

 

This backwoods gal found love and care

From discreet husband, always there

Though never would he limelight share;

She stole the show!

As her career takes up first place

She lives life at a cracking pace

Not adding to the human race;

Hard choice, I know.

 

We think of her with piled-up hair

Hour-glass figure, in the glare

Of the spotlight, standing there

So self-assured;

But now the task that lies ahead

Is wrapped around with broken thread

As he with whom she was long wed

Is with the Lord…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Adjusting to Jetlag

When you’re jet-lagged, sleep won’t come …

Weird thoughts through your brain may run

The stress of travelling far away

May make you replay your tired day.

 

It’s cold but out of bed you creep

Banishing all thoughts of sleep

A cup of tea may hit the spot;

A list of jobs-to-do will not …

 

Things seem different at night

You tread with care, turn on the light

And tiptoe down the spiral stair,

Observe the silver moon’s bright glare!

 

No one is stirring – it’s past three

You sip with joy your cup of tea…

This moment stolen from life’s care

Is to be savoured – it is rare!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

 

To the Nameless!

Dear Anonymous, yes, I mean YOU

Who leave kind comments I flip through.

Clearly, I have hit the mark!

Why must you keep your ID dark?

 

You use my name: so, we have met

Or chatted on the Internet;

I’d like to show appreciation

For your friendly visitation.

 

I find this shyness quite surprising

As I shun all advertising,

I’m flattered that my thoughts amuse;

It’s not hard your name to use!

 

Time-rich, my Muse is often fired

You make my soul glow - I’m inspired!

So, may I make this humble plea:

What prompts YOU to contact me?

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

The Pros and Cons of Sun!

When far from home base, Let’s reflect

On how new fish swim in our net

Perspectives change, we learn to cope

Through the other end of telescope.

 

Of course, Australia’s burning sun

At Christmas time is Number One

But drought means leaves are tinder-dry;

Beware a spark in cloudless sky…

 

Skin clinics have strong roles to play

Suncream’s a must for every day;

Aircon and water bills increase

As shade entices man and beast!

 

Due to the dryness in the air

Skin coarsens; wrinkles soon appear

My wide-brimmed hat - my go-to friend;

Will four-month summers never end?

 

Under Belgium’s rainy skies

We do not need to screw up eyes

As damp air keeps complexions young

But cloud baths really aren’t much fun!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

  

The Genuine Article

This mad fashion - friends on Facebook

More than most can name;

At daily updates they can look

It’s the modern, social game!

 

But I can’t be the only one

Who feels this cohort’s fake;

Who are they, when all’s said and done?

None offers hand to shake!

 

In the ‘good old days’, we shared

Our thoughts and time for real.

We met up, hugged and often dared

Swop feelings – great warm deal!

 

I pity the young of today

Who only share on screens

Their lives are empty, tinged with grey;

This isn’t what life means.

 

True friends, like hen’s teeth, remain rare

But are life’s greatest treasure

As they’re the ones who really care

And give the greatest pleasure…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

A Complete Unknown - Really?

Mitcham suburb,* trip by train

Film meet-up with good friend – again!

Remember Sixties’ Rolling Stone?

The title: “The Complete Unknown”.

 

This icon’s life we had to see!

Bob Dylan - now aged eighty-three

With just a guitar made his way

Up the Charts; how he could play!

 

Well thought-out lyrics buzzed the crowd

At Newport Festivals he wowed ...

His views on politics caused drama;

Won Nobel prize**, met with Obama!

 

By Woody Guthrie was inspired;

They met when Woody, old and tired

Could no longer speak, poor soul;

Pete Seeger helped him hone his role.

 

Imbued with independent streak

Duets with Joan Baez - a treat

Although a long way from mainstream

He exposed the fragile U.S. dream!

 

“The times they are a-changing” bites;

Bob dared to highlight human rights

New generations come on line

But his lyrics stand the test of time!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* South Australia

** in 2016 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature

Warm and Wonderful!

From upside-down to right-side-up

Half-full or half-empty cup?

Observing life through a new lens

Means change of diet and fun friends…

 

As life’s not static, we move through

Surprising doorways with keys new;

Away from routine, let’s take stock

What should we jettison, what not?

 

Let’s take time out to assess

Our likes and dislikes; as a guest

Adaptation to the Aussie way

Means heat affects the roles we play.

 

Those wintry North climes don’t appeal;

 Here, sunshine makes my senses reel!

So, I indulge in cloud-free days

In this brief ‘Down Under’ phase!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

The Power of the Dahlia!

Away from Europe’s cloudy skies

A new day dawns in hot sunrise

There’s something special on this date:

Feb 14^th – should we celebrate?

 

Australia – in the burning sun

Too hot for box-of-chocolates fun;

So, those with thoughts of love in mind

Bring flowers when they wine and dine!

 

Imported roses stand their ground;

What a pun! But I am bound

To mention that love in Australia

Now often plumps for modest dahlia!

 

On feast of Valentine Down Under

Native blooms now steal their thunder;

Adelaide florists in the Hills

Speed local blooms through busy tills!

 

The mood is changing, cynics gloat

But fine bouquets still get my vote!

Great traditions are sublime

Good on you, Saint Valentine!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

On Heat!

Excessive sun is over-rated

Relief from scorching heat awaited!

The urge to snooze, or lap ice cream

Becomes the norm (know what I mean?)

 

All laundry drip-dries in an hour

While garden plants yearn for a shower;

Forget the ironing, it’s too hot

We raid the fridge; eat what we’ve got!

 

It’s far too hard to get things done

The urge to “switch off” seems like fun;

Cold drinks with ice cubes are the deal

I pinch myself – is this all real?

 

While Belgium shivers in the cold

February here is gold;

In shorts and sleeveless top, we dress

Though hats stay de rigueur, I guess!

 

A brief look at computer screen …

A smattering of emails mean

I must reply but keep them short

As without aircon, life is fraught!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Note: on 12th February, 2025 it was 43°C (or 109°F) but we are drought-ridden and South Australia urgently needs rain! :-)

Snapshot of Sale, Victoria

Three hours from Melbourne down to Sale

By train – but once by cart or sail …

An Aussie “real-feel” country town

With bird-filled wetlands all around.

 

An ancient swing bridge* still evokes

Its former raison d’être, when boats

Transported gold from ‘them thar hills’;

Visitor centre – artwork thrills!

 

Noodles and toasties - local fare

Clock tower on main thoroughfare

Op shops a-plenty: ‘Target,’ ‘Coles’

Post Office and prison for lost souls…

 

Stupendous boardwalks, wetland views

Where pelicans and seagulls cruise;

Grey-headed bats hang from tall trees;

Botanic gardens – snake-free please!

 

Craft circle by vast greyhound track

Midday dining at ‘Redd Katt’;

Here Yoga and Pilates thrive

With swim-gym for those under five!

 

Life Saving Station, steps to beach

Called “90 miles” (ends hard to reach!);

Stand-up board surfers ride each wave

An offshore wind – but hats behave!

 

Australian rock band “Southern Sons”

Strut their stuff and all Sale comes

To odd-shaped theatre, Wedge by name;

When we emerged, so did the rain!

 

'Amarti' venue – ate inside

In more mist and rain, Reid Drive;

Gaza and Donald head the News;

Gippsland brochures to peruse…

 

Rumbling trucks scarce cause a stir

Outstanding trees seen everywhere!

A cool change makes lake walks a pleasure;

A joyful week with friends at leisure!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Built in 1883

 

Advent of the Year of the Snake

Feral pigs ravage the plains

While northern coasts are lashed by rains

Dry lightning now ignites bushfires

And everyone in Oz perspires…

 

Year-of-the-Snake – begins today!

In Botanic Gardens, Sydney way

The “Corpse Flower”  arum* stinks - and poses

A challenge to onlookers’ noses!

 

It’s too much to take in,  digest;

On a wave of oddities, I crest;

June flights to Darwin now curtailed

My European life derailed!

 

Sports held outdoors - there's so much space;

Of ancient history – no trace

Although First Nation people claim

Their “Dreamtime” memories remain!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

 * Also known as  the Amorphophallus Titanum or "Putricia"

in the Sydney Botanic Gardens