Shake-up for Columbian Coffee?

Columbian coffee gets the shakes:

7.4 on Richter takes

The local populace by surprise

Crumbling buildings and high-rise…

 

Sharp tremors felt in Panama

And in Ecuador so far!

Nature’s rage can’t be curtailed

In an instant, lives derailed!

 

It’s true we live in shaky times;

I hear today the death toll climbs*

So many - taken unawares

The nervous voice of local mayors…

 

We humans think we know the score

But Tectonic Plates know more!

We’re helpless to avoid our fate

Each day, new troubles fill our plate!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* 132 deaths reported on 11th August, 2026

Western Columbia - coffee plantation area

Screen Idlers!

How often have you heard it told:

It’s a challenge – growing old?

We take our lives for granted, then

Health issues crowd in– bye, bye zen!

 

Long-term friends still keep in touch:

So, WhatsApp /Email – thanks so much!

But nothing beats a face-to-face

Though health concerns slow down life’s race …

 

I marvel how we’ve lived so far

Born under post-war lucky star

With full employment, family joys

Before A.I. our peace destroys!

 

We savour memories of youth

When life seemed simpler, less uncouth

When photographs were ours alone

And no one tried to scam our phone.

 

But life is NOW and burn-out reigns

Stupid adverts jerk our chains

Via flickering small screens of blue:

Has “1984” come true?

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Golden Moments?

Clouds gather but there’s still no rain

Sleeveless T-shirts worn again!

I declutter, dust and cook

Decamping cobwebs from their nook!

But life is so much more than chores;

Time to have a stroll outdoors

Where this drought has taken hold

I notice tree leaves tinged with gold…

 

Rue Neuve puts Autumn styles on view

But those who go inside are few;

Who wants new sweaters in this heat?

While ice cream sales go down a treat!

 

Burglaries and fires make news;

Are Brussels streets still safe, I muse …

But tourists swarm here in great hordes

Enjoying what Belgium affords!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

A CATalogue of Events!

On many days I do not write

As inspiration does not strike

My brain or tweak my thought

It’s like stardust – can’t be cau;ght.

 

Mood, emotions, some weird thing

Will sometimes prompt my words to string

Along in natty rhymes;

But I am not a clock that chimes

 

At regular, predictive times;

Muse Calliope still defines!

To play with words, tease with a pun

(Which you all like!), is just such fun!

 

Some factoids echo in my soul:

Larry-the-Mouser - on a roll

True Guardian of Number Ten

This smart and wily cat stays zen!

 

In dried-up Danube - NAZI ship*!

In fire-raged France - munitions pit!**

Even ‘quiet’ August fires my Muse …

My eager fingers tap out news!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* near Prahovo, Serbia, the NAZIs scuttled their Black Sea Fleet in 1944

** Over 400 WWII  unexploded shells found in Le Porge (Gironde)

Larry-the-Cat  - Chief Mouser  at Number 10 - since February 2011.

In the Slow Lane

We’re promised storms – but not just yet

Though overnight my plants got wet

Which means one chore I can delay

My watering can on shelf can stay!

 

But weeds love heat; see nettles climb

Round wooden bollards, hiding grime …

While Nature plays a trick or two,

I’ve heard a new eclipse is due!

 

My friends? Gone AWOL – it’s their right;

But a velvet, star-filled sky at night

Always takes my breath away

Harbinger of a torrid day …

 

Why must we rush?  Is burning heat

Nature’s way to let thoughts seep

Into our brains to take life slow?

 Time taken out helps us to grow …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

A Heated Argument or Two!

So much is 'cut and paste', 're-hash';

Take stupid adverts to make cash;

Or inane quiz games; (low IQ)

That any bright spark can see through …

 

That sometimes I despair of Man;

I entertain, best as I can!

The Internet is a great tool

But NEVER will it replace school!

 

July ends in a blaze of heat

Early morning – empty street ...

I think of those keen to depart

And those whose journey home must start…

 

'Crossover' weekend – signalled red;

Long traffic hold-ups lie ahead …

While I gaze at peerless sky

And watch a single bird swoop by…

 

Low summer sales have caused dismay

The heat, I hear, kept crowds at bay;

For so long we have prayed for heat …

Extremes, alas, our plans deplete!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Improving the Shining Hour!

Where are you all? Most are away;

My inspiration stores are grey;

Raging fires, war-torn graft …

Am I alone to think news daft?

 

Good news barely makes the cut

While of disasters – there’s a glut!

I turn to long-forgotten chores

But barely see the dust on floors!

 

Believe me, this July we roast

The only “cool” place is the coast!

With traffic madness, airport stress

I realise that home is best…

 

So, Iet’s take time to do things right;

Organising may seem trite

But oh, what joy when all is done

And I can read my book – in sun!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

The title comes from  the famous 1715 poem "Against Idleness and Mischief" by English minister Isaac Watts, commonly known as "How Doth the Little Busy Bee". 

  

Snooze News!

‘Tis Belgian summer … What, no rain?

The temperature goes up again!

The weeds, delighted, grow apace

Between dry paving stones they race!

 

My window-boxes water crave;

But … Hey! I am no garden slave!

Full sun at midday burns their leaves…

Nightfall watering - a breeze!

 

We cope the best we can in heat

Into that thrilling book let’s peep,

Or watch wee insects climb the wall

Or maybe doze off – it’s YOUR call!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Cossies and Mozzies!

I would like to think, on barmy* days

We can relax, but fierce fires rage

French holidays involve high risk

La Gironde** burnt to a crisp!

 

So far, Belgium has been spared

Though firemen’s strike has got us scared;

Our social services are let down

Though fires still break out in town!

 

A dip in swimming pool outside

Where we can float or maybe glide

Is just the thing; but I ask where

Such pools exist in open air?

 

Agreed, this summer the sun shines,

But heatwaves promise sweaty times!

Clothes sales are brisk, ripe fruit abounds

Hence damned mosquitoes do the rounds!

 

These pesky insects mar our day;

We spray ourselves to keep at bay

Their greedy, irritating bite;

Our ankles targeted at night!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* or balmy ...

** on the outskirts of the city of Bordeaux

The Mango Chutney-Mistress Combo!

Today was such fun to explore

A house I’d never seen before!

My friend dog-sits - owners away

So, near the Cinquantenaire I stray!

 

Art Nouveau house, broad flight of stairs

To trendy lounge with comfy chairs

Lofty ceilings, where plants crawl;

Mango chutney artwork* on one wall!

 

Kitchen - spacious, all mod. con.

Garden chairs to sit upon

Beds of roses by brick walls;

An angry crow both dogs enthrals.

 

They frolic, wag their tails, and race;

Curious to see new face?

Delicious coffee, fresh-ground beans

This couple certainly has means!

 

In this well-appointed place

The dogs are clearly used to space;

Then, a bit of gossip, so I hear

A king’s mistress** once lived near!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Footnotes for the curious: 

* This vast  painting promotes Sharwoods mango chutney

** The mistress of King Léopold I - Arcadie Claret  - also lived in this street ...

The   amazing artwork!

Our Sunny Parade!

 For once, the ‘drache'* fails to appear,

Palace parade with skies quite clear,

Red carpet treatment for our royals;

With loud applause for fireman toils!

 

I watch the Big Event on screen;

Smart uniforms are to be seen

Bold horse parade before the stand

With TV cameras carefully manned!

 

Today, this disparate land is one;

We’re ALL Belgians in bright sun!

Tricolour flags flap on tall poles

United up-front with brave goals!

 

Just on this one day in the year?

Perhaps rose-tinted specs I wear …

No matter - I am proud to be

Multi-cultural – and free!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* La drache - Belgian slang for traditional thunderstorm on 21st July

Amazing (Mary Emily) Grace!

A poet who can’t find the words?

This is the weird thought that occurs

As when one’s Mum turns 1-0-3

What can I say, folks, but “Praise be”!

 

Superlatives don’t fit the bill;

In fragile health right now but still

My special Mum who held my hand

And kept me close till I could stand,

 

Who taught me what was wrong and right

Who picked me up and held me tight

When I fell and bruised a knee

Or lost a tooth on Christmas Eve…

 

Sharp memories which I hold dear;

Despite these passing years - quite clear…

This bond is precious and I feel

We are blessed with star-struck deal!

  

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

born 20th July, 1923

A Pavement Cameo

My pavement, often grey and damp,

Converted to wild-flowered ramp!

Here tendrils creep along the wall

And tiny petals bloom and fall.

 

Dandelion and saxifrage

With robust nettles, meet my gaze;

Straggly shepherd’s purse delights

While feisty daisy claims its rights…

 

Well-trodden pathway to the wood

Where in this heatwave, neighbours would

Find cool leafy glade to roam …

All this, a stone’s throw from my home! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Straggly Shepherd's Purse

Monkey Business in Gibraltar!

Great Britain on the Rocks again!

The frontier opens wide to Spain*

A kick-back from the BREXIT deal:

Gibraltar joins E.U. for real!

 

Free flow of workers, (Brit food trade?);

How politics can be waylaid!

A double plus for Spain this week;

Their football skills the French team beat!**

 

That life’s a game has oft been said

But changing sides has history led

As wars and conflicts seek new goals

Changed perpectives, focused roles…

 

But will the Monkeys leave the Rock?

This metaphor is now red hot!

Trans-border crossings in fast lane …

Do I talk in riddles once again?

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

The legendary Barbary macaques are Europe's only free-roaming wild monkeys. According to a famous myth, as long as the monkeys remain on the Rock, Gibraltar will stay under British rule. If they ever disappear, the British will leave. 

* on 15th July, 2026

** Spain beat France in World Cup semi-finals on 14th July, 2026

 

Doormat Delight!

How to keep in touch when far apart?

My two cute loves who warm my heart

Live, as they say, a world away

When summer’s here, their skies are grey…

 

There’s Internet and Facebook pages

But we haven’t talked for ages …

So, Auntie tries to bridge the gap

By sending postcards to doormat!

 

A tad old-fashioned, but this brings

Happiness to share such things;

My day trip to the Belgian coast

Provides marine views which I post!

 

Long walks on Aussie beach are cool

But there are no ships as a rule

So, Isabella holds my hand

While Thomas digs toes in the sand!

 

Snail mail of course will take its time

But this personal touch is mine;

When some scenic mail arrives

It comes, I hope, as fun surprise!

 

Both now read and relish learning;

And nothing beats a good page-turning!

And so, I strive with pen and ink

To forge with them my Belgian link!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Scenes of Nieuwpoort

 

Never a Dull Lull!

A lull in sporting news today!

Lawn tennis finals – yesterday;

Huge crowds love to watch who wins -

Adieu strawberries! Adieu Pims!

 

There's more excitement for news reels:

The Tour de France stops spinning wheels

Time to reflect at slower pace

Before the next stage of the race!

 

We leave the best till last, of course;

Without Red Devils, Swiss and Norse …

As World Cup contenders still on side

Promise a nail-biting ride!

 

Now, France and Spain will fight it out;

Will England Argentina rout?

As with all sport, the game’s the thing;

Which anthem will the winners sing?

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

To Bordeaux by Bicycle!

La Tour de France - quelle tour de force!

Now held every year, of course

Exerts strong pressures few can match;

Outcome predictions can be rash!

 

Created in 1903

The sport is tough - believe you me!

Grim test of stamina and grace

Whose ‘maillot jaune’ claims pride of place!

 

The cyclists speed towards Bordeaux*

Once in English hands, you know,

When the Black Prince held the reins;

Now known for wine and rolling plains…

 

His son, ill-fated Richard II

Is famed for being born here too;

So, this city, now UNESCO site,

Still haunts us with medieval might!

 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* 7th étape - 175 km

Held between July 4th - 26th, 2026

For Marco and Jacky!

July exudes a burning glow

Heat 'off the charts' means life is slow

I dine in style with a dear friend;

Quaff Adam's Ale - survival trend!

Umbrella-ed patio offers shade

But oven-heat leaves blondes dismayed;

Meanwhile, two dogs for whom she cares

Laze inside with soulful stares!

 

Mind you, this twosome at my feet

Is aroused when thrown a treat!

With both her neighbours far away,

My friend walks them every day!

 

In normal chill and summer storm

Their furry haloes keep them warm.

But lacking natural ‘aircon’ flow,

Today, their fur coats are ‘de trop’!

 

Our drowsiness – brought on by wine?

Quick - ice cream parfait just-in-time!

With World Cup matches played at night,

Wimbledon on screen seems right!

 

Terrier Marco naps on rug;

While jealous Jacky claims a hug;

Peace, perfect peace – no hectic rush

Dog Days enjoyed by four of us!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Photo of Jacky and Marco c/o Suzanne!

A Devilishly Good Game!

OK, I get it - the world’s gaze,

Focused through this summer haze,

Was firmly fixed upon ‘The Game’;

Red Devils put U.S. to shame;

Loss of sleep? Cheap price to pay!

How could it end another way?

The Red Card* fiasco stoked the fire ...

Predicted consequences – dire!

 

‘Result’ cartoons now flood the Net;

Black humour reigns as we expect!

Yes, once again, ‘The Mouse has roared’**;

As Belgium four strong goals has scored!

Black-yellow-red flags are flown

As Belgium comes into its own;

What lies ahead we cannot know

But meanwhile, we bathe in pink glow!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Red card given to US footballer Folarin Balogun

** 1959 British satirical comedy film on the achievements of the underdog

2026 World Cup match in Seattle, USA:  Belgium: 4 US: 1

Dust Bunnies Beware!

Summer often brings a lull;

There is now time enough to cull

Items we no longer use:

Old pans, worn out clothes and shoes.

 

But let’s not of ‘dust bunnies’ speak!

Sun’s rays highlight where they creep

At back of shelves, on skirting board

And other places untoward …

 

“Too hot!”, I hear you cry out loud:

Cleaning shouldn’t be allowed;

Exploring Nature in the sun

Beats getting boring housework done!

 

The trouble, Gentle Reader, is

That clutter puts us in a tizz;

Too much “stuff” our souls annoy;

Unwanted burdens kill our joy…

 

We roll our sleeves up in this heat

Determined still to make lives “neat”;

While granted that it isn’t fun,

What happiness when all is done!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026