Monthly Archives: December 2023

Acceleration

Posted on December 31, 2023 by sputterpub

They told me history repeats itself.I heard it from my father and in class.I found the phrase in books upon a shelf,with liberty to browse. It came to passI got it, reading fiction, history:the cruelties Dickens caught, Voltaire and Swift.I … Continue reading →

Posted in Civics, Misanthropy, Poetry, Weather | Tagged | Leave a comment

Analogy Regarding Empathy

Posted on December 30, 2023 by sputterpub

Imagine that you’re driving slowly here,when someone darts too fast for you to stop.You can’t avoid collision – though you veerand brake, a bone is snapped and tendons pop.You’re traumatized although you’re not to blame,but sympathy and aid is not … Continue reading →

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

The Oakland Nod

Posted on December 29, 2023 by sputterpub

I’ve lived in these parts all my adult years,enjoying weather and topography,admiring how my neighborhood appears,inhaling bay-washed air. Diversityabounds and has accustomed me to seethe postures in the streets, the manner howthe Oakland nod goes up initially –a greeting that … Continue reading →

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

Attribution

Posted on December 28, 2023 by sputterpub

We visit Mom fortnightly after work,but sometimes cause arises to postpone.I travel, or a banquet throws a quirk,or Covid makes her want to dine alone.Declaring in our daily telephoneexchange, regret my brother chose delay,I then receive a text from him, … Continue reading →

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

Lucky Number

Posted on December 27, 2023 by sputterpub

Deciding that I’d want some mushroom soupfor dinner on a wet December night,I caught a bus to ride a market loop,to buy ingredients to cook it right.Securing broth and fungi, I was quitedelighted to attain by smartphone appthe lucky-numbered bus … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Poetry, Transit, Weather | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

A Palm Upon the Back

Posted on December 26, 2023 by sputterpub

A staggered walking shuffle after stroke,a toddler’s drunken stumble to a chair,a tentative attempt when someone spokeon subjects sensitive, with urgent care,all beg for some encouragement, and sharea need for help developing a knack.I can’t imagine any act more fairthan … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Decomposition

Posted on December 25, 2023 by sputterpub

Alone is worse, perhaps, but maybe not.This year our conversation’s like a curse.I used to like to talk with you a lot.Alone is worse? We’re neither so infirm we need a nurse,and though there’s nouns I know you have forgot,I … Continue reading →

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

2 Cents

Posted on December 24, 2023 by sputterpub

I know you work on balance, heart and mindand body too, and you are 48.To expectations I am not inclined –comparing paths is vain – we can’t equateour progress for you’re scores of years behind(a generation, if we calibrate).Advice is … Continue reading →

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

Bracketing

Posted on December 23, 2023 by sputterpub

As when a high-rise building is allowedto stand above, behind, and at each sideof some historic storefront, there’s a crowdof new construction bordering my prideand joy, the haven where I love to bide.My cottage has existed 80 yearswithout a neighbor. … Continue reading →

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

A Seasonal Tree

Posted on December 22, 2023 by sputterpub

The persimmons hangas ornaments from leaf-lostDecember branches.

Posted in Flora, Home, Poetry, Weather | Tagged , , | Leave a comment