A Peck of News

At fever pitch the days pass by

Under an uncertain sky;

I scan the news – more sport comes up

“Point of Law” wins Melbourne Cup…

 

Storms flood Queensland, monsoon rains

Cause chaos - overwhelming drains.

Trees fall like matchsticks in the street…

Antigua sees G20 meet!

 

Although we’re not out of the woods

Relaxing rules for BREXIT goods …

High-speed rain crash down in Spain

Oz Interest rates go up - again*!

 

A hotch-potch of assorted views;

Now U.S. Mid-Terms make the news:

 Blue fights Red and ups the pace

Soon time will tell who wins the race!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia) = 4.85%

"Point of Law" Melbourne Cup winner 2026

ridden by jockey Ethan Brown

 

News Breakfast - 26th October

Jetlagged, I watch Down Under News:

Sport prevails – I don’t enthuse;

Queensland now beset by floods

Roads badly blocked by river sludge!

 

As I have often said before

The climate here is rough and raw

From teeming rain to lengthy drought

Extremes of all kinds catch us out!

 

Drive-by shootings on the rise;*

New Western Sydney airport flies

Its first international flight

A press sensation overnight!

 

High cost of living causes grief

So, foodbanks help provide relief.

But Europe’s riots – here unknown

Make Adelaide a gentler home.

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* 4 people shot near Logan, S.E. Queensland

Western Sydney International Airport - just opened!

 

A Flit through Fiji

We journeyed through Pacific skies

While Fiji staff in turquoise guise

Passed down the aisles with food trays hot

But was it meal-time? I think not!

 

Tired of Britain’s sludge and snow

My loved ones went South long ago

To land of mangoes and good wine;

Australia’s lifestyle suits them fine!

 

Post touch-screen films seen through a haze

I’m grounded now in twilight phase!

My body - rhythms new must make;

Though dark outside - I’m wide awake!

 

Named for William’s* barren queen,

Adelaide has come to mean

 A haven from life’s Sturm und Drang;

Whose festivals have worldwide span!

 

My roots, alas, have grown too deep;

Wee Belgium gives me happy feet

But every winter I take flight

To swop dull grey for bright sunlight! 

(C) Poet in the woods 2026

* Adelaide was founded in 1836 in the reign of King William IV and Queen Adelaide (1830-1837)

The Repurposed Box!

Though retired, not unemployed;

Auntie is quite overjoyed

When new family photos come …

My photogenic niece is fun!

 

Not jack-in-the-box – but Jill!

A nursery rhyme – a modern thrill

As Isabella is encased

With laptop and a smiling face!

 

You can’t stop progress, come what may

Her office, all-in-one today

Proves imagination thrives

And enhances mundane lives!

 

Fully plugged in, up to date,

The joy upon her face is great

But what she watches, I can’t see

I tiptoe off, and let her be!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

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

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

 

Angelic Verse?

She sits in a reflective mood

This little angel of our brood

My glasses perched on bridge of nose;

Perhaps an intellectual pose?

 

On her knees a notebook lies

She’s watched Auntie and she tries

To consider, pen in hand

The art of writing neatly scanned.

 

Sweet Isabella thinks it’s great

To play with words whose sounds relate;

An avid reader, she learns fast

Will she find rhyming a tough ask?

 

Believe it, or believe it not

She finds it fun to interlock

Jaunty words into a rhyme

At eight she does it, the first time!

 

Her theme? The family - that seems fair

A little ode to brother dear;

Though shaky, she has caught the spark

Which brings warm thrill to Auntie’s heart!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Arid Adelaide

This ‘otherworldliness’ disturbs;

Beyond leaf-littered, wide suburbs

I see, encroaching on parched plains,

New building projects crowned with cranes.

 

Huge earthworks, fencing, “Keep out!” signs

For brand-new homes in dusty lines;

This barren landscape lacks a heart

The would-be roads mapped out, look stark.

 

Where entry needs no invitation

Key agenda issue: immigration;

This “Lucky Country” feels the strain

Hence the “Aussies do it tough” refrain.

 

For a visitor who loves the sun

Oz scenery is next to none

A privilege enjoyed by few:

Low rainfall is a tough call too!

 

For locals, this heat is a curse

Rates and tax hikes hit the purse;

Each year the risk of fire is high

As nowhere else is it so dry! 

(C) Poet in the woods 2026

If All goes up in Smoke ...

At times we need to pause awhile

Turn off that ever-glowing dial

Of our Smart phone, banish stress,

Consider living with much less …

 

Who wants more gadgets to procure?

Aggressive adverts are no lure;

Do I really need to see

Alerts from Facebook? Leave me be!

 

I take a walk, admire the trees;

Such precious moments - I need these

To restore the peace I lack,

And put my troubled soul on track.

 

Is this an age thing? I confess

In Nature I find happiness;

Plus - joy in sharing with a friend

A good book - will never end!

 

In bushfires you can lose it all

But helped by neighbours, you walk tall;

What matters, when you boil it down

Are friends, not shopping trips in town!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Politics - Across the Board!

Is Politics akin to Chess?

Viz: clever moves that may attest

An agenda hidden in plain view;

From Pawn to King is nothing new!

 

Two steps forward, then a slide

In which direction will they ride?

Is all Black or White? I fear

Shades of grey are ever near.

 

Anticipating who goes where

Though each starts in allotted square;

Yet,  unexpected moves may bring

A seismic shift – not a bad thing!

 

Jostling ‘pawns’ form options new

Opposing players may win through

With actions dubious, smart, effete …

Each Nation’s ‘chessboard’ is unique!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

At the River Sturt Linear Park

A dear friend leads me down a glade;

The sun’s rays burn, we seek some shade

By sleepy creek bestrewn with rocks

Whose background murmur never stops…

 

New South Oz Park by River Sturt

Where birds in muted colours lurk

Splashing in this shallow stream;

By palm fronds framing all in green!

 

On water’s edge, homes reached by steps;

Below, crisp leaf debris collects;

These lofty eucalypts impose

In myriad forms, majestic shows!

 

Bridges, boardwalks – splendid views

Roofed resting spots to sit and muse …

On our way we came upon

Welsh immigrants with dog called Ffion!

 

A moment shared in soulful peace

Happiness on a short lease!

This, the River Sturt's new Park*

Has found a place deep in my heart!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Located in Mitcham, it opened in 1993.

Isabella's Hat-Trick!

All unbeknownst, my hat is stolen!

Once again, the camera’s rollin’

As Isabella plans her pose;

Picture-perfect; she just knows!

 

Mummy’s taste in clothes is sweet

Today, the blue dress looks a treat

So Auntie simply can’t resist

Her niece’s smile – warm and sun-kissed!

 

It reminds me of time long ago

When the pace of life was slow

 And “Miss Pear’s” Soap ads* caught our eye

Skin care luxury to try!

 

We marvel at our feisty Miss

Who puts on fashion a new twist;

My old, worn sunhat looks brand-new

Thanks, of course, to you-know-who!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* These ads were popular from 1958 ...

 

In Adelaide's Botanic Gardens

A simple tram ride takes you there;

North Terrace high rise buildings glare

Their window panes caught in sun’s rays

Admission free – I am amazed!

 

Beyond its entrance, all is calm;

A couple walk by, arm-in-arm;

I spot two ladies* brightly clad

A lawyer and a teacher, glad

 

To pass the time of day with me;

Birds chatter in a nearby tree;

The white pavilion on a rise

A kind of folly in disguise…

 

Vast palm trees wave in lush profusion

A duck-filled lake in quiet seclusion

Shady paths, discrete, edged neat

What an enchanting place to meet!

 

Artworks are sometimes here displayed;

None seen this visit, I’m afraid!

Instead, we met and dined in style

Putting life on hold awhile …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* For Gay and Jo

The Palm House is an exquisite, painstakingly restored Victorian glasshouse imported from Bremen, Germany in 1875.  The gardens were inaugurated in 1855.

Brighton Jetty Sculptures

The Tour Down Under fills sports news;

Clad in Lycra, scenic views

As peddle-pushers pit their skills

Up Adelaide’s amazing hills.

 

Slight breezes cool – it’s hot outdoors

At Mount Lofty, cyclists pause

One biker “Eddy Merckx” displays:

A touch of Belgium in heat haze!

 

Meanwhile, amazing artworks stare

On Brighton’s sandy thoroughfare:

Bold dolphin “Snowflake” made me start;

Two yellow blooms – surrealist art?

 

One feature though, amused me most

Called “feathered cyclists” at this coast:

Gull, Puffin and a Penguin ride

Streamlined, flat out, side by side! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

"Snowflake" the Dolphin - crafted out of scrap metal by Axel Klem

"Sunshine bloom"- crafted by Chris Murphy

Made of steel and cardboard by Tom Buckland,  these wacky and whimsical "feathered cyclists" share humour, ecology, and the joy of cycling at Brighton, South Australia.

Overheated!

Parched grasslands threaten to catch fire

We’re overdressed in pants and bra!

Cute gecko crossing backdoor step

Some shady spot keen to detect…

 

Clay courts at Melbourne’s Open roast

The world’s inferno? No mean boast!

Cold water pipes in fierce sun bake,

To Hell with chores - they all can wait!

 

More torrid outside than within;

To sleep “perchance to dream” is in!

Those wayward flies get frequent flick,

My fingers to the keyboard stick!

 

It’s a witches’ cauldron scene down here

The Aussie weathermen declare.

Where ‘Hot as Hell’ takes on real meaning;

While at the Top End, it is teeming!

 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Wilting!

Plants wilt in heat;* we humans too

But this, Down Under, isn’t new!

Peerless blue skies, lack of shade

No wonder people’s nerves are frayed.

 

Forget the gardening or the shops

Stop outside tasks – like watering pots!

Now’s not the time for heavy chores

With aircon on, just stay indoors.

 

While Europe braces for more snow

A daily walk is a no-no

A dawn stroll with one’s dog is fine

But best to go out before nine!

 

Most habitat is tinderbox

Even snakes hide under rocks;

In minutes, laundry is bone dry …

Hatless and your brains may fry!

 

The freezer, choc-à-bloc with food

In every household, fits the mood

As no one cooks from scratch – too hard

A new experience for this Bard! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* on 25-26 Jan 2026 = 45°C

Snippets on 'News Breakfast'!

New Zealand landslide *– heavy rains!

Wrecked campsite – death a couple claims…

Nature’s vengeance unrelenting

Means more campers lose their tenting!

 

“News Breakfast” on the ABC:

Daily climate update spree!

Extreme warnings: floods, bushfire

As summer heatwaves can be dire.

 

Some quirky items make the cut:

The corpse flower** “Titan Arum” stuck

In my mind, as when in bloom

Its stink can quickly clear a room!

 

“Lady Gaga” here is python white

To visitors - a rare zoo sight;

Today’s news: she is to retire***

While Tamworth**** "roper” skills inspire!

 

A cull of pesky cane toads planned*****;

While “Hate Law” politics is damned;

Today’s new capsule of Oz news

All grist to my cheeky Muse!

(c) Poet in the Woods 2026

* At Mount Maunganui, North Island

** In Adelaide Botanic Garden

*** From NT Wildlife Park

**** At annual Country Music Festival held at Tamworth, NSW

***** This invasive species threatens Australia's native Quoll - a carnivorous marsupial

Casper - the Corpse Flower

Shark Bytes on the News!

 This heat evokes strong urge to swim:

What a temptation! We jump in

To cool off in the ocean brine;

Though this could be for the last time!

 

Today - horrific prime time news!

Top item getting massive views

At Manly Beach disaster strikes

In murky waters three shark bites!

 

Devoted lifeguards who are trained

See life-changing wounds sustained

By souls who are still unaware

That they the sea with sharks may share!

 

For Sydneysiders a sad day

Incautious swimmers - juicy prey

To hungry predators who roam

Just out of sight, lost in the foam…

 

Drones on shark watch scan the waves

 In place: red flags and barricades

But human nature is perverse:

So, risk-takers come off worse …

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

News flash 20.1.2026 - 4th Shark attack in Sydney!

2nd news flash - the 12 year old boy has died of his wounds in hospital...

Musing on the Dreamtime!

When things do not go their way,

Humans rebel; what can I say?

It all depends which cards are dealt:

Injustice fuels moods deeply felt…

 

Oz climate is top news this week

Both floods and bushfires havoc wreak;

Koalas now breed in profusion*

To cull them, though, a vain illusion…

 

Heatwaves mean fruit fails to last

While butter turns to oil too fast!

Milk curdles on the breakfast table;

Oz freezers work to keep food stable!

 

Some lucky friends have swimming pool

For others, showers keep them cool;

Thus, more in daytime than at night

To doze, perchance to dream, seems right!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* The concern is that they will deplete their natural habitat.

Observations in Mid-January

Turbulence in many places,

Ethics are put through their paces;

Riots, bushfires, floods are clues

To what is making today’s news.

 

We learn of Nuuk* in frozen north …

Talk of invasion and so forth;

All this has a disquieting ring

What changes will this new year bring?

 

Great Ocean Road – torrential rains

Bushfires rage – huge livestock claims

Caravans get washed away!

New “Anti-Hate” laws cause dismay.

 

Mid-summer so all schools are closed

Kids’ antics keep Mums on their toes

Sunhats and suncream still a must…

Native gardens dry as dust!

 

This Southern world needs different norms:

Glaring sun then sudden storms;

It’s tough to know just what to wear

Bright colours though, are everywhere!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* The capital of Greenland which belongs to Denmark

Colourful crowds at the annual Tamworth Music Festival