Author Archives: sputterpub

Should Island

The geography is unfriendly. The small island is surrounded by rocky shoals, with a persistent surf pounding against the shore. It rises to a steep peak in the center, forbidding to climb and hazardous to mount. Surfaces at the top … Continue reading

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Inventory

I found myself as desolate as straw when I put up the latest poem today. Bereft I felt, as if there were a law proscribing empty pages. I’ve a way to reinvigorate my mouth and hand, so I can fill … Continue reading

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Zephyrus

It’s nearly middle June when Zephyrus stirs, exuding coastal mist at dawn and night, exhaling onshore breezes. Now occurs our comic season: long in golden light but short on heat, mosquitoes, thunderstorms. There’s wind upon my face when I face … Continue reading

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Band of Gold

When I completed 50 years, my folks presented me with heirloom jewelry. They gave me Dad’s gold watch, and it evokes by shining links its layered history. For it was given to my dad, to mark engagement to my mother, … Continue reading

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Etude

There isn’t any poetry in here. My brain is ranging wide – creatively I should be flush, with all my cells in gear – emotions popping so the path should be as obvious as marijuana’s dear. I lied: that little … Continue reading

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Phonies

I watched Compass while I drank coffee. She was patrolling the yard but I wasn’t interested in that; I was looking for signs of intestinal issues. That’s a euphemism. She was a healthy retriever mix when we adopted her at … Continue reading

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Gray Men Walking

I’m strolling to the market for some fruit. It’s spring, the sun is out, near 3 o’clock in Berkeley so I’m watching for the root that hoists a hazard of a sidewalk block. Approaching me’s a man with sparse gray … Continue reading

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Beads

A second, minute, hour, day or week is like a bauble strung upon a cord in graduated range, each bead discrete, but all together grouped and tending toward a bracelet, necklace, anklet, rosary, in purposeful arrangement of its parts. So … Continue reading

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Arithmophilia

I had to count the Spanish Steps in Rome (I vote with those who say one thirty eight). And even when I travel close to home, I count the steps to train from ticket gate. I chant how many paces … Continue reading

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Today’s Questions

I think I’d better take a break today – I’m winding up like twine around a spool… I’m so presumptuous, I’ll find a way to milk this visit for each drop of fuel to push my fantasy and waking dreams. … Continue reading

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