Author Archives: sputterpub

Cautiously Optimistic

Posted on September 16, 2023 by sputterpub

“Odds are…” “You never know…” we tossed around.“Of course it isn’t likely, but he maybe prompted to improve.” And then she frowned,asserting yet another bald cliche.But I’ve seen new examples that confoundher banal expectations, so I say,“My optimism’s cautious but … Continue reading →

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Gratuitous Malice

Posted on September 15, 2023 by sputterpub

I know she’s fueled by malice and complaint.I’ve watched her all my life, and heard a lotof judgment, criticism – nothing faintor circumspect, and not to be forgot.Though motes of truth were scattered in her shot,unduly mean but not a … Continue reading →

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Resisting Meds

Posted on September 14, 2023 by sputterpub

I bought black market drugs some years ago,when I was young and laws had not yet passed.Back then, of course there was no way to knowtheir provenance – who held them next to last.But that was better than Big Pharma’s … Continue reading →

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Careless Words

Posted on September 13, 2023 by sputterpub

When you hear hurtful words, they may be true,in which case you might heed and thereby learn,or else they’re not and thus your point of viewcan shift, indicting speaker. You can turnaway then from the fool insulting you,and let that … Continue reading →

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Reception

Posted on September 12, 2023 by sputterpub

I like each poem I post, but some speak morefor me, and satisfy an itch I mayhave not yet recognized. They might explorea path unseen till now, or find a wayto pair the words that thrills me in my core.I … Continue reading →

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Is It Too Soon?

Posted on September 11, 2023 by sputterpub

Is it too soon to put my nightclothes on,at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon?It’s light outside but all my vigor’s gone.Is it too soon? My stamina is low enough to swoon.I’ve wrangled stimulated kids since dawn.We danced around like we … Continue reading →

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Tolls of Old

Posted on September 10, 2023 by sputterpub

When I was young, the bridge tolls were so low,we often paid with coin before we crossed.The money went from driver-side windowto hand of bridge employee. Some had grinsand others friendly words they would bestow.At times we paid the toll … Continue reading →

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Dead End

Posted on September 9, 2023 by sputterpub

“No Outlet” read the sign I passed last week.Before I saw its front, I tried to guessits words. I backtracked just to get a peek,expecting “Not a Thru Street” I confess.When I was young, the wording was unique –so “Cul-de-Sac” … Continue reading →

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Unpeeled

Posted on September 8, 2023 by sputterpub

He didn’t lose his personality,but buffers, blinds and masks were pushed aside.The chronic fears and stiff anxietybecame more obvious. His macho pridewas weakened by his disability –his bluster rose in fits; he often cried.He meant well, but the failings were … Continue reading →

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That Old Declaration

Posted on September 7, 2023 by sputterpub

“How can I bring a child into this,our fucked-up world? I just don’t think that’s right.”I’ve heard the claim that global messinessdisputes gestation of new life. It mightmake sense if birth were for the embryoalone – to set an egg-and-sperm … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged , | 2 Comments