Author Archives: sputterpub

In 1854

Posted on May 16, 2022 by sputterpub

In 1854, conditions metlow expectations. City health was poor.The gutters teemed with filth and rife was debtin 1854. Most lives were hard, with vermin having morethan populations starved and stunted, fretwith grief and squalor, mangled, tangled, sore. My recourse now … Continue reading →

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Listening

Posted on May 15, 2022 by sputterpub

I listen closely to my body now.I give it extra morning time to tellme what it wants and where it aches and howit needs to rest or move to feeling well.Today I shuffled early in a spellof near decrepitude in … Continue reading →

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Avo Bath

Posted on May 14, 2022 by sputterpub

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

Posted on May 13, 2022 by sputterpub

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

Posted on May 12, 2022 by sputterpub

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

Posted on May 11, 2022 by sputterpub

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

Posted on May 10, 2022 by sputterpub

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

Posted on May 9, 2022 by sputterpub

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

Posted on May 8, 2022 by sputterpub

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

Posted on May 7, 2022 by sputterpub

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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