Author Archives: sputterpub

Avo Bath

There was no actual calamity –a canceled train one way, and coming back,computers down and signs no one could see,while in between my sleep was short and slack.I witnessed toddler tears, frustrated glee,and tired parents’ optimism black.I made it home. … Continue reading

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Mama Don’t Praise

My brother gave up cigarettes at last.He’s over 60, overweight, in needof exercise, and feeling it. He’s pastexcuse and now he wants his breathing freed.He proudly told our mother he’d succeed.If she knows how to nurture, she forgot,responding “Yeah, but … Continue reading

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Screenshot

Ignoring most the ads that introduceor interrupt the games I didn’t buy,on rare occasions optics will induceme to look closer. Something caught my eyelast week – a bunch of letters made me spyand pick the word I found in the … Continue reading

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Potential Energy

Perhaps it’s untimely to counsel you now,but I can’t suppress my emotions.You’re full middle-aged, and of course you know howto live – you don’t need any notionsfrom mother or father – not even from spouse –each may be a foe … Continue reading

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Iris Seeds

I planted iris seeds. Now will they grow?I understand that rhizomes are the waythey’re propagated mostly, but I knowit’s possible, or so the experts say,to let seeds germinate a month or so,protected from conditions that decay.They reproduce in nature from … Continue reading

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Incurable

I tell you, it’s humbling – this processing years.I used to be sturdy and durable.But now I bruise easily, doddering nears,and I know the slide is incurable.It’s fortunate no one needs means – all my dearsare solvent and I’m not … Continue reading

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The Childproof Cap

It isn’t just the way my fingers bruise –the slightest bump will mark my skin – a keythat’s stubborn twisting will abuse –but too I note their strength abandons me.I’ve trouble turning caps. So please excusemy teaching what he wasn’t … Continue reading

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The Weakest Housekeeping Link

He hated clutter as a young adult.He only kept the necessary then.But soon he fell in love, and the resultaffected him of course. Soon after whenthey married and he tried to keep things nice,he learned his partner differed in regardto … Continue reading

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The Misfit

The way I walk to market takes me pastsome houses made a hundred years ago.The buildings were constructed then to last,from storied residence to bungalow.Today I see example of contrast:a habitat that’s counter to the flowof vintage houses block-appropriate.Contemporary style … Continue reading

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The Dupe

You say you’re giving up duplicity.I hear and then admit my own surprise,but I don’t think I show that audibly,and phoning we don’t see each other’s eyes.Astonished now I’m wondering what liesyou’ve strewn like mines along the path we wend.I … Continue reading

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