Author Archives: sputterpub

March Death and May News

Posted on May 16, 2023 by sputterpub

My high school friend has lost her mate, I hear,two months ago. Her email yesterdayannounced his death. Residing nowhere nearwe lived when young, exchanging words the waywe do now (twice a year some birthday news),and knowing he was over 99,I … Continue reading →

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Less Parent Stress

Posted on May 15, 2023 by sputterpub

I disagree but dare not disapprove.There may not be a wrong-and-right to it.The better part of wisdom could behoovea parent to adjust to time. What fitmy ancestors was inappropriatefor me when I was struggling with mine.I witness now a difference, … Continue reading →

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Learning to Live with Leisure

Posted on May 14, 2023 by sputterpub

I lately have a lot of leisure time.Retirement first freed a chunk for meto travel, read, solve puzzles, work on rhyme,and sample ways to slow declivity.Pandemic damped down my society,and grandkids aged to need me less at play.Hiatus at my … Continue reading →

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Mother to Son

Posted on May 13, 2023 by sputterpub

She asked my comment – should she intervene?Sit down and look sincerely in his eyes,and tell him to escape the liquored scenehe lives with? To abandon compromiseand leave the lady love he doesn’t love?Her son has always acted like he … Continue reading →

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More Good Than Gold

Posted on May 12, 2023 by sputterpub

Though silence may be golden, that dependson what inspires it. When it proceedsfrom earnest ignorance, it none offends,but is that gold? Or simply lack of noise?The platinum of silence comprehendshow biding and awaiting leads to good.To dwell unsure and pause … Continue reading →

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Metaphor

Posted on May 11, 2023 by sputterpub

I longed for independence as a kid.I wanted power, to be in controlof self of course, and boundaries I’d ridor cherish. I took on an adult role.I wasn’t scared of bills, and though I lovedmy family, I pushed their care … Continue reading →

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The Deciding Symptom

Posted on May 10, 2023 by sputterpub

“Reactive airway” were the words I heard.“Disorder” (or “disease”) succeeded those.That’s how he named the wheezing that occurredwhen I sustained a cold. Such breathing woes,a temporary asthma, virus-spurred,a side-effect from all the smoke I chose,and kept inhaling till I got … Continue reading →

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Two-Toned

Posted on May 9, 2023 by sputterpub

Gaslighting me, this Spring the trellis hostswisteria of white, where purple bloomedthree years ago. They dangle like the ghostsof plants I bought from experts who assumedthe petals would be lilac on my postsand lattices. But this is white-costumed.Although the blossoms … Continue reading →

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Disparagement

Posted on May 8, 2023 by sputterpub

Describing the slob, I implied he’s a jerk.I think worse than that may be true.When young he’d a job and I’m sure he did work,but now he’s in charge of a crew.Now he sees clients, quotes what will be due,and … Continue reading →

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Meters (2)

Posted on May 7, 2023 by sputterpub

Professional, with decades on the job,the contractor described himself to me.I overlooked him looking like a sloband took him at his word, initially.But when he turned to gas utility,he didn’t know that mine was piped exempt.I had to after-teach to … Continue reading →

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