Author Archives: sputterpub

Cozy

Posted on December 20, 2016 by sputterpub

At 6 a.m. it’s 33 degrees outside, and clear as polished leaded glass. We’re tempered by the bay – we seldom freeze – but still I’m glad to goose the natural gas to toast ceramic logs to radiate to warm … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Weather | Leave a comment

Elder Wisdom

Posted on December 19, 2016 by sputterpub

My 34 year old invited me by text to call him: I.R.T. we spoke. He asked about his oldest friend – did he once like that neighbor? Yes. And then he broke the news: the kid was lost in smoke … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Question | Leave a comment

Obverse

Posted on December 16, 2016 by sputterpub

I think I owe the corpse another poem, a short salute to love no longer live, a tribute to conspiracy at home, remembering our first November 5. If 14 lines can be appropriate reminders of a love affair gone bust, … Continue reading →

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Writers’ Group

Posted on December 15, 2016 by sputterpub

Too many would-be writers I have known, who long for fame but don’t make time to write. Imagining book signings, they postpone the act of composition day and night and week to year and never do complete a narrative. They’ll … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Writing | Leave a comment

In Memoriam

Posted on December 14, 2016 by sputterpub

It was a bit after 4 PM on the third Friday in October. The sky was clear and there was little traffic. In fact, my ex’s Toyota and the Jeep that hit him were the only vehicles in sight. The … Continue reading →

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Zombies

Posted on December 13, 2016 by sputterpub

Invisible I seem to be, among the flock of walkers in my neighborhood. Four times did people neither old nor young not see the way they cut me off. They stood instead of walking as they left a store, or … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Leave a comment

Death Notice

Posted on December 12, 2016 by sputterpub

The email wasn’t long – in seven lines I learned my ex had died four days ago. I read the note at lunch’s end – then wine was insufficient, and I made them go for Cherry Heering – vile fruity … Continue reading →

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The Lesson

Posted on December 9, 2016 by sputterpub

For months I’ve had an irritated soul, and anger drove my mornings many years. Although I liked myself and had control of more than most, and less provoked my tears, my dog reacted like her name was Fuck – she … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Poetry | Leave a comment

Good

Posted on December 8, 2016 by sputterpub

Two years ago I lifted three pound weights from off the shelf they’d ballasted so long. I can’t recall the increments or dates, and never did I angle to get strong, but I continued every other day, promoting me to … Continue reading →

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Dishwasher

Posted on December 7, 2016 by sputterpub

We talked to Cindy first. We arrived and went straight to the dining room; we were into big salads and iced tea when she found us. In five minutes she was complaining about Beth. “I shouldn’t be talking like this,” … Continue reading →

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