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