Author Archives: sputterpub

Anarchy

Posted on December 14, 2017 by sputterpub

I’ve always been an anarchist of sorts: I’d like to modulate the role of laws, and settle all disputes outside the courts without a thread of violence, because I think our species capable of fair behavior, moral compass, empathy. Self-confidence … Continue reading →

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The First and Last Chanumas

Posted on December 13, 2017 by sputterpub

I was nearly eleven the year I prevailed. I don’t remember formulating my argument, but I do recall presenting it. In a natural series. I started about two weeks before the holiday. “I love Chanukah,” I said to my parents. … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays | Leave a comment

Hardwired

Posted on December 12, 2017 by sputterpub

I’ve been an anxious personality as long as I remember. Was I born with it, or did I drink Mom’s tendency along with infant formula? I’ve sworn it off ten thousand times, but then I tense my neck and jaw … Continue reading →

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Raggedy Ann

Posted on December 11, 2017 by sputterpub

I didn’t own a ragdoll as a mite. My favorite baby doll was rubber-made Ginette I loved so hard I used to bite her head. But as a 12 year old, I paid allowance for a raggedy new doll – … Continue reading →

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Besting

Posted on December 7, 2017 by sputterpub

My father wanted me to exercise. He called me sedentary, and made fun of me determining to train my eyes on books and paper, when I ought to run around the high school track across the street. I loved my … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Poetry | Leave a comment

Not Yet

Posted on December 5, 2017 by sputterpub

I used to qualify my history by stating, with a grin, the numbered years I’d earned of marital recovery, enjoying comprehension from my peers. But now I know how much I thought was jest was actually a clue to plumb … Continue reading →

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Raincoats

Posted on December 4, 2017 by sputterpub

My raincoat’s adequate. There’s nothing wrong with it, except I never want to wear the piece. I’ve had it several years too long, my mother’s is identical (the pair of us don’t like alike), and I’m too bored to use … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Weather | Leave a comment

Bad Advice

Posted on November 30, 2017 by sputterpub

I married, bore two children, and divorced, and then I tried again to be a wife, but had to end that too – my talent coursed another way, and I determined life for me was happier, at least for then, … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons, Poetry | Leave a comment

Reflexology

Posted on November 28, 2017 by sputterpub

A summer evening, doors ajar, I hear some pops I barely register: the sound of breeze in garden trees (I have four near), but then I notice and I look around – there’s flame that rears beyond the neighbor’s fence! … Continue reading →

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Rainy Day Errand

Posted on November 27, 2017 by sputterpub

I see a red regatta in the rain – five-pointed leaves deposited in clots on white concrete, that leave a crimson stain: so liquidambar drops a flock of yachts. I see a sea of gulls stake claims to ground that … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Weather | Leave a comment