Author Archives: sputterpub

Shotless (On Powell Butte)

Of course when I leave home I break routine,and staying with my kids I go alongwith their agenda, witnessing their scene –a loving fly upon the kitchen wall.I try to fill my eyes and heart – I meanto carry home … Continue reading

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Audubon/Autobahn

Confusing the birdwatching patriarch namewith Germany’s roadway for speed,and hearing “gold standard” but in the wrong frame(“iconic” I thought would succeed),I started to smile and nodded my head.I love them but speak differently.Away from my garden, my bath and my … Continue reading

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Sabbatical

They set their phones down once a week of late –from Friday night through Saturday foregothe tiny screen, the tinny tune – relateto three or more dimensions, like a throw-back (ages range from 12 to 48).I’m visiting, and now they … Continue reading

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Stern

Don’t stern-talk me, his sister said.That didn’t work from Dad.Attempts to shush me bend my headand only make me mad.You might try listening instead(I really wish you had).That pose supposed to ferry dreadlooks insecure and sad.

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Effective Recipe

“Relax” and “Lighten up” do not produceresults except exasperating stress.And “shush” outside the library will loosein most resentment and in some a messof anger they are driven to express.If calm or quiet are the trends desired,such voicing may seem passive … Continue reading

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Leaning In

We sat upon the couch and talked a bit.He wasn’t feeling well in back or head.Fatigue besieged (as is appropriate,with two young kids to wrest him from his bed).Attending to the way he sat and said,respecting his full plate and … Continue reading

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Limp Reminder

Misstepping as I exited my yard,I skewed my foot and let its outer sideimpact the ground. My landing wasn’t hard –I tried to walk it off and not abidean injury – but something must have priedapart, a little metatarsal thing.My … Continue reading

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Laggard

Regardless of the local temperature,no matter what the calendar declares,I’ve learned we’re fully into Spring, for sure,when this tree buds to leaf. Its twiggy hairsdon’t feather while each other tree preparesto start to eat the sunshine, air, and dirt.On College … Continue reading

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First Aid

Returning home I wouldn’t raise the shade,although it wasn’t hot at ten past noon.Awake at five, I did odd jobs and playedwith kids for hours. Then I waited forthree forms of transportation, that conveyedme home amid track closures and the … Continue reading

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Distraction

Forgetting what you left the room to dooccurs at every age, but frequencyincreases – every senior knows that’s true –and doesn’t seem as funny recently.Confusing hand and mind, so that you threwthe coffee grounds away that ought to bearrayed beneath … Continue reading

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