Author Archives: sputterpub

Watching a Fly Die

Posted on March 18, 2026 by sputterpub

The fly attempted an escape, I feel,by dashing to the window’s tempting light,but it will not be opened. The appealwas clear but not productive. Stuttered flightexhausted it, and felled it in my sight.I watched its final twitches on the floor.When … Continue reading →

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The October Plan

Posted on March 17, 2026 by sputterpub

October travel calls from months away.My first-born has her golden jubilee.I’m sponsoring a trip for us – I’ll paythe fares for where she’ll soon decide to be.It looks like London’s her first choice, to stayat least a week, with days … Continue reading →

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Pre-Spring Cleaning

Posted on March 16, 2026 by sputterpub

It took some weeks to get the gardener here,but I and winter wilt could stand the wait.He came last week, with tools to prune and shearthe overgrowth away from door to gate.There’s more to do before all paths are clearand … Continue reading →

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Next

Posted on March 15, 2026 by sputterpub

Announcing hospice as the next addressto which she’ll move her mother, I was stunned.I hid surprise to not compound her stress,but had no clue the case was moribund.Poor thing: her mother’s age is three years lessthan 80. We all thought … Continue reading →

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On the Street

Posted on March 14, 2026 by sputterpub

He wasn’t pleased I didn’t deign to pauseand let him canvass me to give or sign.His “don’t you care about black women” clauseexasperated me. I can refineobjection – I don’t quarrel with the cause –but I object to wasted words. … Continue reading →

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No Legacy Words

Posted on March 13, 2026 by sputterpub

Near 20 years ago my father died,and statements Mom then made resound in me.Although since 6 she tended to deridewhat drafts I shared of prose and poetry,she voiced concern about her legacy.She looked askance and warned “Don’t paint me ill.”At … Continue reading →

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Lilies

Posted on March 12, 2026 by sputterpub

A former neighbor carved our yard, contouredthe square of weedy dirt between our doors,and planted chosen foliage: assuredto us a garden here. She moved away,but her design and many shrubs endured,and I esteem her work, and volunteersthat found the ground … Continue reading →

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Recess

Posted on March 11, 2026 by sputterpub

I thought I’d dedicate today to rest –no exercise or writing, no commute.I’d be a sedentary girl – at best,I might acquire birthday gifts or fruit.But I have time – the shelf’s not destitute,and anniversaries are days away.I liked the … Continue reading →

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Catarrh?

Posted on March 10, 2026 by sputterpub

I used to know exactly how a coldproceeds in me, from throat to nose to chest.But unpredictable is growing old –less often ill but more allergic, messedin joint and hand strength, prone to bruise, cajoledby recollection. Am I sick? I … Continue reading →

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In Early March

Posted on March 9, 2026 by sputterpub

The rain surprise at 5 a.m. was nice –a patter on the skylight as I drowsed –and then again at 7:30 – twice,an unpredicted more-than-drizzle rousedme to variety. I gave adviceto self alone, and bided dryly houseduntil the laden coastal … Continue reading →

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