Author Archives: sputterpub

More Walls

Posted on December 15, 2023 by sputterpub

No sooner does the eastern building rise,than framing to the north of me begins.At least this one will not assault my eyes –it happens that I’m windowless that way.I’m hopeful neighbor noise won’t agonize(the owners seek no tenants for the … Continue reading →

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Baby Steps

Posted on December 14, 2023 by sputterpub

“With baby steps,” she countered more than once,when we discussed the changes she must make,as if I had suggested she’s a dunceor ineffective, when she needn’t takethat tone (abrupt and harsh), for goodness sake.She’s bright, and her impatient tendencyimpels her … Continue reading →

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DSM Zero

Posted on December 13, 2023 by sputterpub

In 1951, some would have saidthat youngster’s a bad seed, a vicious boywho baits his sister, sneaks out of his bed,steals booze and smokes from parents to enjoywhen he should be asleep. He would have leda gang if some would … Continue reading →

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Interruption

Posted on December 12, 2023 by sputterpub

I woke 10 minutes after 4 o’clockabruptly, out of nestled dreaming sleep,to one percussive slap or rap or knock,as if a creature begged to breach my keep.But outside my Dutch door latch and its lockno figure lurked. I toured my … Continue reading →

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Planting Seeds

Posted on December 11, 2023 by sputterpub

Impossible to do in hardpan soil –a tree root might prevail but nothing lessand nothing quick. A seam of clay can foilaims for horticultural success.What might produce a bloom’s a waste of toilto plant in guarded old hardheadedness.Reserving effort for … Continue reading →

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Bad Good Memories

Posted on December 10, 2023 by sputterpub

Sometimes I try to keep a memory.I recognize a moment to retain,and plant it in my brain deliberately.Recording for the future, I maintainits health against a certain bout of painthat’s bound to come for, aging, what I knowis life will … Continue reading →

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Shade of Meaning

Posted on December 9, 2023 by sputterpub

“Like any other parent,” stated she,“I want my children happy.” I conveyeda little argument. “It seems to mewe aim instead avoidance of the shadeunhappiness to darken them.” That madegood sense to her – she understands and cares.But when I told … Continue reading →

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Ending a Life

Posted on December 8, 2023 by sputterpub

My oldest friend reported recentlyher brother took his life three months ago.Her phrases dropped with such finality,they struck and haven’t left my head, althoughthey weren’t close, and half a centuryhas passed since he would terrify us so.I don’t know if … Continue reading →

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Dead Heat

Posted on December 7, 2023 by sputterpub

My office, an uninsulated shed,is chilly now to nearly March each year.I have a heater that can quickly spreadthe warmth I need to type and pedal here.But I returned from travel to a queeraroma and a noise that shouldn’t be.The … Continue reading →

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The Disruptors

Posted on December 6, 2023 by sputterpub

Her personality was always huge –she would have scared me but I have one too.And of her three offspring, her centrifugereleased a kid who’s markedly askewand difficult, diverging from the norm.The atmosphere around their house is tenseat times – two … Continue reading →

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