Author Archives: sputterpub

Reunion

Posted on October 26, 2017 by sputterpub

Matriculating 50 years ago, the season of reunion has arrived. I went to two high schools, and so I know too many overall, too few archived to render tender time together now, so I declined attending either drill. But I … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Poetry, School | Leave a comment

Neighborhood Shops

Posted on October 25, 2017 by sputterpub

Overheard in the Elmwood area of Berkeley, one October afternoon, as Del’s path crossed that of a middle-aged couple: He (looking at the “Available” sign where Jeremy’s used to be): “Another one gone.” She (with a glance at the storefront … Continue reading →

Posted in Neighborhood | Leave a comment

Sacred

Posted on October 24, 2017 by sputterpub

Resorting to the dictionary, I was sick of hearing “sacred” used so much. I can’t stop evolution, but I try remembering the roots, to keep in touch with origins. I’m never overnice, but I appreciate syntax and wit. Adoring words, … Continue reading →

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Avicide

Posted on October 23, 2017 by sputterpub

At half past nine this morning, as I sat beside my window, reading news and clues to puzzles, I was startled by the flat concussion of a missile off its cruise: a sparrow struck the pane and fell on deck. … Continue reading →

Posted in Critters, Poetry | Leave a comment

Surprise Ending

Posted on October 20, 2017 by sputterpub

Accustomed as I am to be shut up whenever I’m in Mom’s vicinity, as much as I’m determined to put up with disregard for my veracity and memory (and cause she set the tone at home, my dad and brothers … Continue reading →

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The Reason Not

Posted on October 19, 2017 by sputterpub

I could have set the cheesecake to defrost at 8 p.m. and tasted it by 9: 15, but that would mean I would have lost the benefit of buffering its fine- milled carbohydrate with protective fat. A cheesecake’s best preceded … Continue reading →

Posted in Behavior Modification, Food, Health, Poetry | Leave a comment

Smoke

Posted on October 18, 2017 by sputterpub

Prepared for atom bombs when we were 8, we ducked and covered as the school ran drills. And then the teachers tried to educate our class till we developed earthquake skills. So California kids were taught to dread a cold … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Weather | Leave a comment

Cornucopia

Posted on October 17, 2017 by sputterpub

It isn’t fair how fortunate I am. I haven’t great accomplishments or wealth. A member of a loved and loving fam- ily, enjoying more of elder health than all my nuts and exercise deserve, abiding in a friendly neighborhood, in … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Poetry | Leave a comment

Pop Beads

Posted on October 16, 2017 by sputterpub

Delightful weather summoned me outside again, though I’d acquired what I’d need for now, tonight, tomorrow. I could bide within, but sun and wafting breeze decreed that I inhale the local air and tread upon the cracked concrete. I thought … Continue reading →

Posted in Neighborhood, Poetry, Weather | Leave a comment

Second Half

Posted on October 13, 2017 by sputterpub

My parents didn’t seem to get along, when I was young and watching them at first. Their differences were daily loud, but strong inhibitors annealed them so they cursed in mumbles and apologized for bed. They stuck together, struck agreement, … Continue reading →

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