We all crave hugs; ain’t that the truth?
Young, middle-aged and long-in-tooth
We like to feel that we belong
And someone else can sing our song.
But life is what it is, sometimes
And so, we read between the lines
It happens friends aren’t round to hear,
Console us and provide good cheer…
But Isabella, pink and pert
Is wise beyond her years, alert;
When you’re alone and no one’s free
Commune with nature - hug a tree!
(c) Poet in the woods 2024
One day for spring, is that enough?
Clouds veil the sun so it is tough
To plan a picnic in the park;
Long cycle rides soon lose their spark!
Spring green, however, paints the trees
Stems bob and curtsey in the breeze;
From winter’s deep sleep - birds awake:
Time to build nests and to mate!
Sense of renewal in the air
Despite Man’s folly, Spring is here!
Constant, faithful and all-knowing
Its cloak of
velveteen Is showing!
Hope bathes in every mountain stream
And so, methinks, it’s always been
Dreams captured in a bright sunrise
Bringing joy to jaded eyes…
(c) Poet in the woods 2024
Inspiring Nature when plants grow!
Seedlings cock a snook at snow,
And winds and raindrops shy away
As Spring takes centre stage today!
Twee daisies freckle well-trimmed lawn
Dandelions by hedgerows spawn
Bluebell and periwinkle greet
In mini clusters nearby street.
Roadworks disturb the status quo
Gravel piles up, puddles flow
But tiny leaves unfurl in sun
And isn’t cherry blossom fun!
Although the world news disappoints
Each longer day our hope anoints;
And how this nature bard delights
As sudden warmth my Muse ignites!
(c) Poet in the woods 2024
Brussels – home of sweet delights:
Hot chocolate on winter nights
Ballotins of lush pralines
Or tempting waffles with whipped cream.
A beer for each day in the year
White wine from La Gaume, I hear;
Try beef stew called “carbonnades”
And ‘tomates-crevettes’ 5-starred!
Our Dukes from Burgundy* ate well;
Their legendary feasts still sell
Here culinary arts survive
With eating out - a source of pride!
(c) Poet in the woods 2024
St. Catherine’s – site of former dock
Where trade with Antwerp used to rock
As the Beguines sold land to survive;
New Spanish-built canal then thrived…
By water feature tourists stroll
Street names: building bricks, charcoal
Now wharf-side restaurants serve fish
Recalling port life lost in mist…
This April Fools’ Day - artworks new*!
Five giant yellow ducks come too
Back-lit by solar power at night:
Once again - surreal delight!
Bold letters ‘BXL’ proclaim
As if we didn’t know, the name
Of this city, where the rain
Is constant - but ducks don’t complain!
(c) Poet in the woods 2024
* until September, 2024
Easter
Saturday - in tears
Belgian
rain goes on for years
At least
that’s how it seems to me;
As puddles flood in woodland lea.
The supermarkets
- chock-à-block
Should we
go for lamb – or not?
Our
shopping trolley slowly fills
Non-stop tinkling
of the tills!
Stacks of
pascal cakes await
Eager
shoppers who debate
Should they
also offer cheese?
Existential
problems these!
We’re lucky,
here the choice is vast
Fruit and
seafood vanish fast
Wines of
all types make the cut
And as for
Easter eggs – a glut!
Yet everywhere
we go these days
Cardboard City
meets our gaze;
So many,
sadly, live alone
Or, what is worse, don't have a home...
(c) Poet in the woods 2024
This culture hub, once market hall
Built to cope with urban sprawl
Appeared in 1865
In a Schaerbeek much less countrified.
Market gardeners sold their wares
Haberdasher sales upstairs;
But this trendy market “out of town”,
Gustave Hansotte’s gem, burned down!
Sole survivor - front façade;
Clock never seen again - site charred …
Around Sainte Marie church a while
Stalls mushroomed in haphazard style.
A wrought iron edifice arose
Where steam trains brought fresh food to those
Who daily gossiped while they queued;
But the Twenties brought a change of mood…
Vast shopping stores became the rage;
The market dwindled, in death phase …
Repurposed site for recreation
Or storage – there was hesitation…
The Eighties saw it renovated!
Now culture hot-spot celebrated;
This reborn venue rocks – quelle chance
Through circus, poetry and dance!
(c) Poet in the woods 2024
