Author Archives: sputterpub

Perturbation

Posted on August 6, 2019 by sputterpub

My mom insists her mother was a saint. I never met the woman, but I’ve heard the anecdotes forever. Mom would paint her mother immigrant-heroic, stirred to worship by (we thought) her early end. “Her energy was boundless as her … Continue reading →

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Necked

Posted on August 5, 2019 by sputterpub

At least a score of years ago, I heard I’ve osteo-arthritis near my neck. I tend to clench; I took them at their word, attended therapy, and felt the wreck of nape and jawline start to ease a bit. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Health, Poetry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Absence of Outhouse

Posted on August 1, 2019 by sputterpub

As soon as we had permits, there was placed a lockless porta-potty at our curb. Somebody tipped it once. Someone defaced its side with paint. Its bulk did not disturb my eyes, it didn’t stink, no neighbor yelped. I’m sure … Continue reading →

Posted in Home, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Laddies of the Lake

Posted on July 30, 2019 by sputterpub

At least two years ago, the city paved our street again, at nobody’s request. The company that won the bid behaved as if they knew their work, and no one guessed until they left how poorly they performed – they … Continue reading →

Posted in Neighborhood, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Fans

Posted on July 29, 2019 by sputterpub

I love two people into watching sports. I can’t assert I understand the draw. Enthusiasm they insist supports their teams – it matters – but I never saw the evidence, and when I’m in the zone (not often or heroic, … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Arborism

Posted on July 25, 2019 by sputterpub

While classic symbolism’s long been held for art produced in oil, words, and notes, I saw, I read, I heard and I rebelled. I argued only ignorance devotes itself to elementary attitude, like woman is the moon and man the … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora, Health, Legends, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

On Rereading FF

Posted on July 23, 2019 by sputterpub

I found a vintage Heinlein on the shelf, a yellowed paperback with tiny print. I pulled it down to entertain myself, and read 200 pages with a squint. I’ve recommended it to kids and friends without rereading what I loved … Continue reading →

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The Redwood Deck

Posted on July 22, 2019 by sputterpub

My cottage is a single room. Across a deck and rocky spot my office shed was built. The wood went soft; the stones grew moss; I opted to replace them both. Instead of mixing media or using stone for every … Continue reading →

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The Genie’s Joke

Posted on July 18, 2019 by sputterpub

I thought I’d wish for wealth. But I soon learned no matter what I saved or spent, or how invested, I’d forego the power earned from earning, obligated to endow. Then specifying leisure time instead, I planned to take the … Continue reading →

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One Sad Day

Posted on July 16, 2019 by sputterpub

Perhaps the year was 1999, the season fall, a Sunday afternoon. While window-shopping with a friend of mine, our focus was enticed by a balloon affixed above a cage the Shelter set upon the sidewalk, graced with pretty strays. A … Continue reading →

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