Author Archives: sputterpub

Re(medi)ality

I watched you take yourself off nicotine,abruptly and without a backward slip.I witnessed when you altered your routine,eliminating alcohol with grace.It’s true your sister tried to intervene;a few of us made comments that you heard.But you cold-turkey quit. What do … Continue reading

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Ketchup

I don’t use ketchup often any more.I’m meatless and I seldom go for fries.But sometimes I want cocktail sauce, a pourof Louie dressing (Thousand satisfies).I visited my tiny local store,assuming I could add to home suppliesa little jar. Imagine my … Continue reading

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Defending the Rental

“McMansion” is the way his mom portrayedthe place they rented from AirBnB.He didn’t understand what she conveyed,and asked her to explain. “Monstrosity”she didn’t say. “It housed our family –enormous but not fine, to be precise.”He pondered and then ventured critically,“That’s … Continue reading

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Skipping

They had me skip a grade when I was young.From 3rd to 4th they boosted me mid-year.They thrust me into higher math amonga group of kids I didn’t know. My spheretransformed, I raced to learn to multiply(my 7’s, 8’s and … Continue reading

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It’s How You Choose

It’s how you choose and what you juxtaposethat meet the mark of creativity.It isn’t training or proclivity –it’s how you choose. The gear you use, the medium that shows?They never matter much, but entropyand affectation lead to travesty.It’s how you … Continue reading

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The Vote Results

The vote results arriving made me grin.I marvel at the sign of catapultsfrom hopelessness to joy, from how to spinthe vote results. I’ve savored hatred toward the MAGA cults,but now I’m proud to be American.We turn in expectation like adults. … Continue reading

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No Thanks

I love my brother. And I’d like to spendsome time with him – we’ve been too long apart.December on his farm has charm – we tendto early coffee chat and afternoonsin chill and crispy air. I’d have to spendten hours, … Continue reading

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A Smidge of Wisdom

I’d rather eat some carb than exercise,but I’m experienced (that’s code for old).Indulgence now no longer gratifiesthe way it did when young, and I don’t bounceback into health or fitting smaller size.I need a burn that isn’t gastric juice.The benefits … Continue reading

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Suddenly Idle

The family I visit twice a week,and overnight with Fridays, as a rule,announced a little trip. They’re off to seeksome fun – they’re taking time from work and school.That means I’ve no commute across the bay,no toddler tax upon my … Continue reading

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Ants on White Tile

Our California ants are not a threat.They’re tiny and don’t bite or bring disease,but everywhere I live they seem to getinside the walls. Although we never freeze,we chill in fall to 45 degrees,and welcome rain that comes this time of … Continue reading

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