Her Left Shoulder

Posted on April 24, 2026 by sputterpub

Arthritis in her shoulder on the left
is causing chronic pain the doctors treat
with shots of cortisone for now, but cleft
is the prognosis – time may soon defeat
the steroid – surgery is probable.
For now, she’s lifting less and often seeks
accommodation. Getting back a full
extent of motion needs OR techniques.

Her tunnel vision is a larger pain.
Last week she wouldn’t tread a neighbor’s stairs.
The rail was on her left – she can’t obtain
support there – she wants bannister repairs.
But two alternatives won’t cause her harm –
some balance work, or holding someone’s arm.

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How to De-Clutter

Posted on April 23, 2026 by sputterpub

To judge the artists for their politics,
and cancel all with whom you don’t agree,
resembles acts of stupid lunatics,
a sure excursion in vacuity.
The consequence of fast biography
is shallow gossip, tasteless overhauls.
Resist such cultural conformity,
or suffer empty shelves and barren walls.

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Negativity Drop

Posted on April 22, 2026 by sputterpub

My friends predicted what did not occur.
“You never know,” they promised, but I did.
No urge to drive or shop arose to stir
my energy, and as for being rid
of one who should have sheltered and endorsed,
and comforted and guided me with care,
I no more miss her presence than divorced-
after-abuse folks loathe the empty air.

Oh, I’ll admit that now and then a twinge
of absence will beset my solitude.
But no regret or elegies impinge,
and nothing in my memory is rued.
I learn how strong was criticism’s keep.
The drop in negativity is deep.

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He’ll be Okay

Posted on April 21, 2026 by sputterpub

He’ll be okay though recent news is tough,
and he was sadly challenged yesterday.
He has experience with this rebuff.
He’ll be okay.

Resiliency will surface, come what may,
and he has love and resources enough.
I reared him, and I’ve nothing new to say.

In fact the situation’s minor stuff –
a waste of worry, so I won’t display
concern. Although his summer may be rough,
he’ll be okay.

Posted in Family, Personality, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Carmageddon?

Posted on April 20, 2026 by sputterpub

Predicting traffic jams and crowded rail,
the news produced loud warnings of a mess,
and doubtless many listened without fail –
three friends alerted me, inciting stress
in small amounts. I needed to avail
myself of train and bus to home. I guess
my 10 a.m. embarking was astute?
I fell into a frictionless commute.

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Heart and Soles (An Exhortation)

Posted on April 19, 2026 by sputterpub

Do you have time? Does he or she? Do they?
The answer from us all is yes, we do.
No longer are we bored like kids, the way
we were when days were long. Although it’s true
our phones are ever beckoning our view
(there seem no gaps to try on other roles),
we all have time to walk. Unwind this clue,
and spend some moments feeding heart and soles.

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Proaction

Posted on April 18, 2026 by sputterpub

One friend asserts life’s issues all work out.
Another claims she ever tried her best.
I’m skeptical with each: sincerely doubt
the first is right, and all who knew her guessed
the second might have harkened to behest
of child, and put selfishness aside.
The fates are subtle – each might have confessed,
and then gone forth as if no hands were tied.

Posted in Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Rise of Outline

Posted on April 17, 2026 by sputterpub

I always thought an outline was the start
of any well-intended work of prose.
But nothing organized became a part
of paragraphs I ventured to compose
two months ago, and weekdaily. I chose
instead to draft in pieces what I aimed
to say. Now look what gradually arose:
a list or map that might be outline-named.

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Wednesday Sky

Posted on April 16, 2026 by sputterpub

I like the weather where I live so much,
I may not ever relocate. This place
has temperate temperature and totes the touch
of ocean in the air. The feel of space
around me when I walk about is such
a soft caress it elevates my pace.
Today the sky’s so lovely I could swoon,
while strolling on a Wednesday afternoon.

Posted in Neighborhood, Poetry, Weather | Tagged | Leave a comment

Two Rights

Posted on April 15, 2026 by sputterpub

Envisioning my arms as stable wires,
from palm to shoulder reinforcing spine,
taut guys supporting any disc that tires,
so I’m erect like sailboat mast or pine,
I cup my knees to angle what aspires,
and meditative posture becomes mine.
Hypotenusing upper limbs, I guide
my neck and cranium toward heaven’s side.

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