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

 

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

A Few Hot Thoughts!

Mad heat melts our best intentions

Cools our ardour, heightens tensions

Putting normal life on hold;

Death in forbidden pool is told!

 

On private land, abandoned quarry*:

Now tempting pool, lad makes a foray

Away from prying eyes to dive;

Failing sadly to survive…

 

Trains without aircon do not run,

TEC** buses stay home in hot sun,

Schools stop all lessons at midday

Top athletes told they cannot play…

 

This heat, so longed for, comes at last

But even lizards cannot bask

In temperatures beyond the norm;

This is the full extent of “warm”!

 

A wave of lethargy ensues;

Sporting fixtures on the news

Speak of cancellations rare;

We have to take stock and beware…

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* at Mont-sur-Marchienne (Charleroi)

** Wallonia's bus service

Beleaguered Brussels?

What gives in this world we know:

In Hormuz Strait – will traffic flow

Allowing petrol costs to slow?

Less tax by stealth?

Warm weather brings the punters out

Brussels: place-to-be – no doubt

But football comes with lager lout…

Bars – rake in wealth!

 

Scaffolding now scars the streets:

Fibre-optic cables sneak

On roads, dug up and then made neat

From dawn to dark;

The gasmen excavate long trench;

Put up a barricade (in French!)

Frustrated drivers their fists clench:

Gone - place to park!

 

Far be it from me to complain

When traffic cones pop up again

As in Brussels, city under strain

Roadworks are go!

Tram tracks need to be replaced;

Bins overflow; and it’s a race

To keep the city a clean place

And staunch the flow.

 

Great tourist Mecca in the sun!

A walk on cobbled streets is fun

No wonder foreign tourists come

To taste our wares!

But what of He who pees all day?*

If he could speak, what would he say

As chaos reigns, and anyway

 Who really cares?

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* Manneken-Pis in the Rue de l'Etuve, Brussels

 

Pre-World Cup 2026

It’s June - the countdown has begun;

Several weeks of football fun;

This year three countries share key dates

As politics has upped the stakes!

 

Transatlantic flights take place;

Our “Red Devils” * set the pace

They face a choice – but where to go?

To Trump’s U.S. or Mexico?

 

Canada will also rate

In this new triumvirate

Where 48, not 32

Teams will fight it out anew!

 

The World Cup sanctions key Prime Time

Ticket sales explode on line

“The game’s afoot!”**; most cannot wait:

Their country’s honour is at stake!

“The Beautiful Game”***, by Pelé dubbed,

Excites the spirit, warms the blood,

Inciting Nations out to play:

Pitch perfect in a world gone grey?

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Between June 11th and 19th July, 2026

* The Belgian National team

** Quote from Shakespeare's 'Henry V' - Act III Scene I

*** The beautiful game is a nickname for association football. It was popularised by Brazilian footballer Pelé, who played from 1957 to 1977 who died aged 82 in 2022. It is also the title of an eponymous Netflix film (2024)

Considering Retirement?

What price retirement? Have you thought

Or does this next step make you fraught?

Like-minded souls, some on the cusp,

Meet to debate; you could join us!

 

Themes which do the rounds, include:

How to bolster happy mood,

When pressure from ex-workplace ceases,

And you are left to pick up pieces…

 

Go choose a hobby which is fun:

Gardening delights more than one;

Or you can volunteer your time

In person, or as coach on line.

 

Keeping fit, through dips in pool

Or walks with friends, is a good rule;

Dancing, cycling, nature walks;

All sharing eases fears and thoughts …

 

Whichever way you cut your cake,

You must now your “work tree” shake;

Don’t press foot pedal to the floor,

The world’s your oyster – to explore! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

Held at the Sister Café  - 3, rue Chair et Pain

Organised by professional coach Lenka Grackova

What's in a Date?

Milan, Cortina: Winter Games

Its snowy ambiance proclaims

Bronze medal* for the Belgian Team

A modest effort, it would seem …

 

Norway, meanwhile tops the polls;

Last TV coverage extols

Great prowess, skill and expertise:

They have the edge in times like these!

 

Observe elsewhere - the heat is on

It’s four years to the day, upon

Which, other matters topped the news;

I say no more but just leave clues …

 

Once more, a Sunday meditation:

Penned lightly without hesitation

Recalling what one cannot voice

In terms of dates – a double choice …

(C) Poet in the woods

Winter Olympic Games 5-22 February,  2026

* For short-track speed skating

Terrorist attacks in Belgium: 22nd February, 2016

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

Our Capricorn Lad turns Twelve!

 In my Memory Bank I delve ...

Thomas hits the skids at twelve!

Still boyish in so many ways

Cup-stacking* is his latest craze.

 

A Scouts award with friends around

His maths potential – sharp and sound

Primary school now left behind

With a smart uniform to find!

 

An Aussie sport he too likes best

Is cricket and “The Ashes” test!

He cultivates his own world view;

How many hoops will he jump through?

 

Next term he’ll take the train to school

This independence he finds cool!

So, how should Auntie this date mark?

With a day trip to Adventure Park!

(c) Poet in the woods 2026

* a fast-paced sport where individuals or teams rapidly stack and unstack specially designed plastic cups into predetermined sequences (like pyramids of 3, 6, or 10 cups) as quickly as possible, requiring high levels of hand-eye coordination, focus, and fine motor skills. 

Thomas - at 12!

 

 

Captivating Cricket!

Much news Down Under is sports-based

The Ashes Series tops the race

As cricket fills our TV screens

And eager crowds cement their dreams!

 

When play gets tough in this star game

The MCG pitch gets the blame!

Wickets fall and bails fly high

Under a peerless sapphire sky.

 

I don’t pretend to know the rules

Taught worldwide in the best schools,

But marvel at the grandstands full

As this sport retains its pull!

 

Innings, runs and ball-by-ball,

These terms are known by one and all.

We often talk of “sticky wicket”

And some things are just “Not cricket”!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Melbourne Cricket Ground at sunset

 

On Christmas Past - Aussie-Style!

Time passes in a summer haze

In Perth some bushfires are ablaze;

Long-necked turtles* at 'Top End'

Are endangered – so, befriend!

 

The Sydney-Hobart Yacht race glides

Across our screens – more sport besides

As the Aussies hold on tight

To the Ashes – UK plight!

 

There’s much promotion for the sales

Despite the heat, this trend prevails!

Not much is mentioned from abroad

Unless it’s sport where Aussie scored!

 

Wide streets, tree-lined see wheelie bins

Along the roadside: gift-wrap, tins,

Drunk-dry bottles, last week’s news

Christmas trappings - now refuse …

 

The supermarket carpark fills

In no time, queues and ringing tills

The quiet lull of Christmas Day

Is broken as the Sales make hay!

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* Australia is home to six of the world's seven marine turtle species, all listed as vulnerable or endangered, including the Endangered Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley, and the Vulnerable Green, Hawksbill, and Flatback (unique to Australia) turtles, facing threats from plastic pollution, climate change affecting sex ratios, entanglement, and habitat loss. 

Loggerhead turtle

On Failure and Success

If you don’t succeed: Try!  Try again!

Think Robert-the-Bruce (of spider fame)*;

Success cannot come soon enough

We live and learn as life is tough.

 

Think of small kid who tries to walk

Towards his parent, but distraught,

He can’t manage it first go

Lacking balance, down he’ll go!

 

His little legs won’t take the strain …

He wobbles and falls down – again

Until one day he gets the knack

Sure-footed now – no turning back!

 

Failure breeds success we’re told

Through repetition, we grow bold

Such lessons echo down the years;

The Black Prince had to earn his spurs!**

 

This callow youth, heir to the throne,

Found himself in battle thrown

Learning first hand in the fight

How to be a perfect knight!

 

Being patient is the key

No one’s lives are error-free

Determination makes us strong

And some extremists earn a gong! 

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

* 14th century legend of the King's perseverance watching a spider at work....

* * Aged 16, the Prince fought bravely in the Battle of Crécy in 1346.

The black prince so named aftet the colour of his armour!

He did not become king because he died a year before Edward III in 1376 ...

Boitsfort Exodus

Today it’s warm and skies are clear

I get my walking shoes in gear

And saunter down paths overgrown

On forest edge, not far from home.

 

It’s Friday morn; cars drive on past

Where are they going – need I ask?

For I have left routine behind

A long time since, no daily grind…

 

Instead, I hear birds in the trees

Spy butterflies caught on the breeze

See flies on honeysuckle teem

Observe the lushness of June green ...

 

Weeds and flowers, bold as brass

Bob and curtsey as I pass;

A single poppy on fine stem

Strikes a bold note now and then.

 

By Boitsfort’s Rugby Club I pause

A swallow passes by and soars

Lost in a sky of sapphire blue

White chemtrails sadly spoil my view!

 

Nature needs no invitation

I lose myself in meditation

Taking time out is a knack!

But time presses - I turn back …

(c) Poet in the woods 2025

Plateau de la Foresterie