Author Archives: sputterpub

Oaks Bottom

Posted on January 25, 2023 by sputterpub

Oaks Bottom was our site on Saturday.Two miles and a half of out and back,between the rains, between the swamp and swayof moss and lichen, on a muddy track.The owls we requested were away,but ducks were dipping down without a … Continue reading →

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Zero, One (OI)

Posted on January 24, 2023 by sputterpub

Obnoxious was the attitude last night.And boring was the wish to disappear.The tone morose, the body language tight,one might assume there’s suffering. It’s clearthe teenager would rather not be nearthe family. Big deal. That’s no surprise.It’s not a disability or … Continue reading →

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Nice Morning

Posted on January 23, 2023 by sputterpub

Fatigued and travel-stressed, I rested welllast night and woke an hour late today.I had alone-time then, a pleasant spellof news and coffee, and I got to playthe solitaire I wished. I’d things to telland hear when she returned. A small … Continue reading →

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The Relative Traveler

Posted on January 22, 2023 by sputterpub

“I can’t keep track of where you are,” Mom said.My brother asked, “You’re flying off again?”My oldest friend observed I often headup north to spend some days with family.I have no wanderlust. In fact I dreadmy absence from the nest … Continue reading →

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Local(e) Benefits

Posted on January 21, 2023 by sputterpub

How fortunate I feel for living here.Not only does this cottage suit my soul,but I selected gentle atmosphere,away from floodplains, chosen with a goalof walking where I need, with merchants near,and thus with timing under my control.You’ve heard me advocate … Continue reading →

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Apostrophe

Posted on January 20, 2023 by sputterpub

Don’t heed me now. I’m no authorityon building rhyme and specifying howone might’s well work at writing poetry.Don’t heed me now. The syntax needs be natural. I’ll allowa word’s reflecting etymology(its present obsolete or middlebrow). But don’t abuse good sense … Continue reading →

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Echeveria

Posted on January 19, 2023 by sputterpub

We planted succulents a year ago.Removing ivy and some old bamboo,I wanted drought-resistant green to grow,intent to tuck the roots in rocks. But yousaid soil wouldn’t stay in place, and sowe wedged in pots (some hidden, some in view).They did … Continue reading →

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Theorizing

Posted on January 18, 2023 by sputterpub

I wrong her when I say she shut me downthe days I tried to tell her how I felt.What hurt was her disdain – that sour frownand “Can it!” never made my passion melt.But now I see distinction – there … Continue reading →

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Constraint & Complaint

Posted on January 17, 2023 by sputterpub

Outrageous is the way the parent ravedwhen Grandma’s offering was overheard.The father sought to rule how all behavedwhile abdicating care – it was absurd.Preposterous and futile his attemptto dictate from a couch or easy chair.He had no interest how his … Continue reading →

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Mayor of My Phone

Posted on January 16, 2023 by sputterpub

The first three letters of my name are “Mar.”In New York it’s pronounced like Apple’s “A.”But California made it rhyme with “care”(and though I’m no old horse, it stayed that way).When voicemail’s left for me by cell, what’s thereaddressing me, … Continue reading →

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