Author Archives: sputterpub

Myriad

Posted on July 12, 2018 by sputterpub

The sages say it takes ten thousand hours for someone to acquire expertise. While talent may be there at birth, the powers in success require practice to increase. And though you’ve walked since you were one year old, your average … Continue reading →

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Dowager

Posted on July 10, 2018 by sputterpub

I never thought my mother’d be alive this long, the way the woman used to smoke. She’s slowing down at 90, but she’ll drive her car to stores nearby, until the stroke of 3 when the commuters clog the streets. … Continue reading →

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Bad Driver

Posted on July 9, 2018 by sputterpub

You’ve always been unfocused when you drive. It can’t be blamed on age or your disease. The wonder is you’ve managed to survive with jerky hands and eyes. Activities requiring close attention never suit your empathetic gifts for social good. … Continue reading →

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The Fifth Wheel

Posted on July 5, 2018 by sputterpub

The oldest kid, the only girl, the black sheep in her family of origin, she early learned to be alone. In fact she liked her solitude – she could begin a poem, reread a book, design some clothes for paper … Continue reading →

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Step Aside

Posted on July 3, 2018 by sputterpub

My daughter told me women step aside. Confronted by opposing walkers, men don’t detour or deflect, like it’s implied they’re Masters of the Sidewalk. I said, “When and where’s this happening? Just who contends behavior never known of me and … Continue reading →

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Jacaranda (An Etude)

Posted on July 2, 2018 by sputterpub

The legend of the Jacaranda tree was told to me one Saturday in June. I loved committing it to memory; by 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, I knew the tale as if it were my own. I swallowed Amazon mythology, … Continue reading →

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Not Done Yet

Posted on June 28, 2018 by sputterpub

A year ago, I thought I might be done with sonnet work, except revising those already written, read by few or none. I’d take a break and maybe turn to prose. I had a thousand little songs or more; I … Continue reading →

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The Cold

Posted on June 26, 2018 by sputterpub

Two weeks ago I caught a simple cold and carried it to Portland in my chest. I didn’t think it much, but now I’m old enough to feel a wreck and need more rest than I arranged. Compounding as a … Continue reading →

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Zero

Posted on June 25, 2018 by sputterpub

Remembering a comic who assured us if we all agreed to not have kids, then we could trash the place, embrace absurd, and advocate what courtesy forbids, I wonder have we reached that era now, without restraining reproduction’s yield? Are … Continue reading →

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Exercism

Posted on June 21, 2018 by sputterpub

My father called me sedentary when I wouldn’t leave my book to come outside. “I’d say you were a vegetable, but then that’s slandering the plants.” And though I’d ride my bicycle, and walk more than allowed, I gathered that … Continue reading →

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