Author Archives: sputterpub

S’cars

Posted on June 10, 2026 by sputterpub

Her car’s been totaled two times in a year,but she’s a veteran, past 22,so driving doesn’t trigger any fear,but there are other passages that do.She cannot swim; no vest or sea rescueconvinces her to plan an ocean cruise,and as for … Continue reading →

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Minor Medical Misery

Posted on June 9, 2026 by sputterpub

I knew exams would be a challenge, soI pre-rewarded yesterday: a mealcomprising food and friendship – eating slowand talking fast – was just my kind of deal.I have to sacrifice this morning’s glowto eye exam – those drops have no … Continue reading →

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

Eye-Catcher

Posted on June 8, 2026 by sputterpub

I walk to BART the way I like it best,long-striding with a mostly-empty mind.Beneath my shirt I wear a weighted vest.I savor work accomplished, not inclinedto re-employ as yet. My feet arrestmy forward motion – gratified, I finda panorama beckoning … Continue reading →

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

Functioning

Posted on June 7, 2026 by sputterpub

Why can’t they see, and turn the no to yes?The symptom isn’t lack of empathy.Instead of dearth, the problem is excess.Why can’t they see? The theory that seems obvious to meinvolves a toning down, a making lessof stimulation’s jarring quality. … Continue reading →

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

Surprises

Posted on June 6, 2026 by sputterpub

A weak back, brittle bones, and gum diseaseall constitute amazements as I age.I wasn’t predisposed to maladiesof mouth or spine, according to the gaugethat served me otherwise. I thought I knewmy body like I understand my mind.But looking at conditions … Continue reading →

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Seasonality

Posted on June 5, 2026 by sputterpub

My yard mates are abundant now – birds flockto scavenge from the ground and browse the buds.A dozen squirrels race on roof, and mockmy quietude with footfalls loud as thuds(a tree gives easy access). Raccoon stockis fat and gravid. Fruitfulness … Continue reading →

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

3 AM

Posted on June 4, 2026 by sputterpub

It isn’t perfect here, although it’s good.The atmosphere’s not dark enough at night.So much illuminates the neighborhood,the view’s not midnight-blue through my skylight.At 3 a.m. no stars beguile my sight;I probably could read without a lamp.An eyemask doesn’t suit – … Continue reading →

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Just Let Me Speak

Posted on June 3, 2026 by sputterpub

I quietly supported several folks,who worked in quantity but unlike me.Reacting to the expectations (pokes)of culture, gender, peers and family,they put in time. I didn’t garner thanksas much as latent, passive argument.I took unfair in stride. I don’t resentwhat never … Continue reading →

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She Will Forget

Posted on June 2, 2026 by sputterpub

She will forget, and doesn’t moderateher habits, so the added years abetthe problem – missing things and running late.She will forget. I don’t want her to feel she’s in my debt,so I try subtly to accommodate.It hurts to see her … Continue reading →

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For the Boys

Posted on June 1, 2026 by sputterpub

Although my parents picked at me, and mockedmy oddities, and disciplined me first(I was the oldest), and were sometimes shockedor charmed the way I spoke, and thought I nursedmy shrimp as prized beyond how each enjoysa favorite, though for years … Continue reading →

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