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

Sunny Australia Day Thoughts

This constant heat can be a trial

But thrills! Because it’s there we smile;

Although it with our mood plays tricks

 And suncream must be in the mix!

 

But, coming from a wintry clime*

Where it rains – most of the time

I do enjoy the gentle breeze

That shakes the eucalyptus leaves!

 

Sun dries clothes fast, but dries out skin

But all in all, it’s a win-win

As life is good when the sun shines

And happy outlooks underlines!

 

No heavy clothes, just light attire;

Picnics in the sun inspire!

As visiting all parks is free

Just rugs and snacks by shady tree!

 

Great scenic spots are all close by

Where smart dress codes don’t apply;

For families it’s a paradise

Which in this hectic world – is nice!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Belgium

Bridgewater Boulevard Park, South Australia

Getting a Handle on Australia

I seek a little inspiration:

What to say about this Nation?

Sports-mad, with temperatures extreme

Life here is a curdled dream.

 

Adelaide has endless space,

Its one-storied homes - sans grace;

Vast supermarkets, rare small shops

Washing hung outside soon rots!

 

I’ve now had time to check things out

A friendly bunch - of that no doubt!

With constant sunshine, rare are frowns;

Graceful, lofty trees – bird sounds…

 

This island, washed by five large seas

Still celebrates with morning teas

Recalling long-lost English past

Though multi-cultural at last!

 

To European eyes – too new

Its Aborigines – too few

Its emphasis on sales – too great;

In short, a modern-outlook State!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Kookaburras on Eucalptus tree against a peerless blue sky!

Advice on Advice!

We pass advice onto our friends

On fashion or behaviour trends;

We recommend fads we’ve not tried

And promote much else, beside.

 

But is this altruism, folks?

So often advertising cloaks

Side-effects or get-rich ploys

Buried in the small print, guys!

 

So, I reflect that “in-your-face”

May jostle to have pride off place

But as you shop in store/on line

It is good to pause, take time

 

To check the labels advertising

"Wonder" products so surprising;

It pays to shop around and read

Don’t pander to promoters’ greed.

 

I question influencers’ role;

Grey area or deep black hole?

Each day life offers much to test

But trust your judgement – it’s the best!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

A Time for Peace?

At last, some good news to report,

It is, you might say, centre court,

We dare to read between the lines

Of a six-week truce that binds.

 

The Middle East, in all its glory

Has Nations each with stormy story;

Some speak of discord or of war

Both are terms we can’t ignore.

 

Now in the air float thoughts of peace

And for hostages – release.

Politics - a restless game;

For many, life won’t be the same …

 

Folks, we’re flotsam on life’s flow

The future is not ours to know

But has common sense prevailed?

Fingers crossed; we’re not derailed…

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

January 13th - Oz News

While Brussels shivers under snow,

Heatwave conditions make us glow;

Cold showers are the way to go

It seems to me.

North Queensland is awash with rain

At Melbourne Open* – wet terrain

Weather forecasts make it plain

Extremes are key.

 

A plane crash happens in N.T.

Rockhampton: tourists come to see

Mini penguins running free:

Prized habitat!

An Observation Centre planned

But too many tourists crammed

Mean conservationists now stand

To ban all that!

 

So, sport and nature head the news

Ruffling feathers with strong views;

Hence poets find it hard to choose

What to relate;

A railway strike in Sydney’s East?

Home rental figures just released?

Or, wild dog** fence to be increased?

Much to debate!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Annual Tennis Tournament

** 32 km dingo fence!

 

January 9th - Snippets

Brussels – under snow and frost

While those in L.A. count the cost

Of fires that rage through trailer park

Inferno caused by tiny spark …

 

Yes, Nature rules! While Man looks on

Trees and homes flare up, soon gone

But there is good news around

An Aussie hiker lost – is found!*

 

Parkes’ ** Elvis festival takes place

Massed look-alikes put on brave face;

Though Elvis died at forty-two

His legacy stays green and new!

 

Extreme Right – Jean-Marie Le Pen

Recalls a certain France back when;

At ninety-six, he quits the stage

With mixed reviews on printed page!

 

Odd snippets gleaned from world-wide news

There is so much that I could choose

But these needs must suffice today

Variety is the spice, they say!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

*  in Kosciuszko National Park, NSW after missing 2 weeks

** Elvis look-alike Festival in Parkes, NSW

Thomas Turns Eleven!

Our Birthday Boy stands proud and tall;

Think “Legs Eleven!” Bingo call;

Imbued now with a sense of self

He loves figures, knows their worth.

 

Since learning two and two make four,

Pragmatic, he likes to explore

Tough calculations he enjoys

He’s streets ahead of other boys!

 

He loves to read, ride on his bike

Disappearing out of sight

Around the leafy neighbourhood

At this age – freedom feels so good!

 

Some school subjects need more care

Determined, he will soon get there;

With primary school days nearly through

He’s on the verge of visions new!

 

As to what lies ahead – who knows?

There’s time to sense where the wind blows…

His knowledge grows as he advances:

His Tree of Life has many branches!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

An Epiphany 2025

It isn’t every day I write;

How can I when the sun burns bright

And blue skies beckon me outdoors

Or keep me busy – doing chores…

 

This year sees Seoul up in arms

And drought affecting Aussie farms;

While Jimmy Carter lies in state

And mourners his life venerate.

 

We wonder what this new year brings

With Donald waiting in the wings

 And Gaza still prone to attack;

World politics stays on the rack.

 

I don’t pretend the know the score;

Old Christmas trees lie on the floor

But Epiphany shows saddened face

As festive frolics slow their pace...

(c)  Poet in the woods 2025

 Jimmy Carter - 39th US President

At Karkoo Nursery - in the Adelaide Hills

The road led up through lofty trees

Against the red rocks, gentle breeze,

With scarce a car met on our way

We reach a glade quite tucked away.

 

There’s a peaceful feel by railway track

Which ran to Murray Bridge and back;

But the station now sells bright-eyed plants

Which make great gifts and lives enhance.

 

Glassware and paintings, candles, soap

Tempt browsers to this site remote

 Where a café offers tasty fare

And mosaic wildlife on walls stare …

 

A clever move up for Karkoo

From Main Road Blackwood; a great view

Away from most suburban eyes

Its apparition a surprise.

 

Today it’s 36 degrees

Our car parked under shady leaves;

We settle for a bite to eat

In this train-free hill retreat!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Old Mount Lofty Station, near Stirling

Australia - a Danger Zone?

More shark attacks! It’s scary here

With vicious fire ants always near

These pesky insects shatter peace

Though sandal-shod, they bit my niece!

 

Always when we go outside

A water bottle by our side

A wide-brimmed hat needs must go too

Deceptive skies of deepest blue!

 

Though huge crowds fill the MCG*

Test cricket features on TV

While “Footie” also hits the spot

With female referees who rock!

 

Mortgage brokers go to town

House prices flutter up and down;

Those bushfires rage - caused by chance spark

Vast barren landscape, scorched and stark.

 

The talk is always of skin care

Hence cancer clinics everywhere;

Of golden beaches it can boast

But no one wants to end up toast!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Melbourne Cricket Ground

Fire Ants on the rampage!