Monthly Archives: February 2018

A Grandma’s Lament

Posted on February 27, 2018 by sputterpub

A dozen years ago, a boy was born who made a grandmother of her and me. Released from life, she’s now a loss to mourn, and this is offered as an elegy. We needed her. The grandpas aren’t close; the … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Poetry | Leave a comment

Justification

Posted on February 26, 2018 by sputterpub

I feel a little altered, and it’s good. I’m safe at home without a task that calls. There’s gentle rain outside to darken wood and speckle glass, and as the moisture falls the tense contractions in my limbs unfold. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Poetry | Leave a comment

Stun

Posted on February 22, 2018 by sputterpub

I’m stunned by the mortality of men I used to love. They ought to stay alive, although I never thought I’d see again the three no longer breathing of the five significant to me as partners: first and last and … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Poetry | 1 Comment

First World Problem

Posted on February 20, 2018 by sputterpub

A first world problem challenges its host as much as if its scale, in tragic score, were strong as the misfortunes striking most in disadvantaged circumstances. More or less, it seems the sufferer cannot endure another atom of distress. Whatever … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | 2 Comments

Pachyderm

Posted on February 19, 2018 by sputterpub

She drinks a quart of vodka every night, except when she de-toxes with a fast confined to juice or celery – the right and wrong are rules she buys that never last. Imbibing till she passes out, she wakes to … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Poetry | Leave a comment

Acknowledgment

Posted on February 15, 2018 by sputterpub

When everything is well at once, I fear a bomb’s about to drop, a shoe to fall. A recent X-ray shows my lungs are clear although I know I’ve smoked too much to call my respiration what it used to … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Leave a comment

Squirrel Time

Posted on February 13, 2018 by sputterpub

Surveying my environment, I see a harbinger, appearing to embody now: a squirrel ten feet up a tree, supporting in his mouth a large biscotti. That cookie’s winter fare – it’s not a food suggesting February leads to spring. And … Continue reading →

Posted in Critters, Poetry, Weather | 2 Comments

Recidivism

Posted on February 12, 2018 by sputterpub

I knew a girl who struggled for good skin. Her face broke out no matter what she tried of products for the outside; for within, she never ate foods sugary or fried. Until a doctor found her allergies, and she … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Health, Poetry | Leave a comment

One Hour at a Time

Posted on February 8, 2018 by sputterpub

Before this week began, it didn’t hold attractive plans. My calendar contained four days with tasks that couldn’t be controlled by me – the type of issues I complained about, when I was young and knew so much. Anticipating waiting … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons, Poetry | Leave a comment

Dry

Posted on February 6, 2018 by sputterpub

We’re halfway through our winter, and had one impressive storm, with nothing more offshore than ridges of tenacious highs. The sun is too persistent, and the temperature abuses plants and squirrels. Every bird acts out of season. Daffodils appear. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Weather | Leave a comment