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