Author Archives: sputterpub

Thunderbeck’s Machine (3 of 3)

Posted on August 28, 2014 by sputterpub

I notice when Sandy tries to get Liz gossiping (“Do you hear what they’re talking about? Can you believe it?”) and Liz does too. Sandy is clearly homophobic and definitely bad at whispering; she is forever being overheard. Liz must … Continue reading →

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Thunderbeck’s Machine (2 of 3)

Posted on August 27, 2014 by sputterpub

We don’t make it to the study. Ten-year-old Scott, who never walks when he can run, who actually tries to climb walls, Charlie’s nephew Scott finds us before we get through the doorway. We give up the idea of finishing … Continue reading →

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Thunderbeck’s Machine (1 of 3)

Posted on August 26, 2014 by sputterpub

I come around the corner of the house just in time to hear Liz complain. “Char-leeee…” her tone climbs as she drags out the last syllable. “My feet are hot. You know how much it bothers me when my feet … Continue reading →

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Noticing

Posted on August 25, 2014 by sputterpub

I didn’t notice pyracantha leaves until I tried to fit them in a line of poetry. I know the fruit achieves by fermentation autumn sparrow wine, but till I looked at leaves to make a song I never saw how … Continue reading →

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Jetsam

Posted on August 22, 2014 by sputterpub

The boats like liquidambar leaves were moored within a harbor slick as puddle glass. No tempest cut their lines. No vandal scored his mischief, slicing ropes that held them fast. Instead their hemp by decades of disuse was fungus-eaten, decomposing, … Continue reading →

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Emotional Heights (End)

Posted on August 21, 2014 by sputterpub

“You realize I lost the rest of my iced coffee in the course of that debacle,” she points out. “Let me say this. At Emotional Heights, iced caffeine will be readily available.” “Yeah. Yeah. And we’ll be able to get … Continue reading →

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Emotional Heights (Middle)

Posted on August 20, 2014 by sputterpub

“I don’t know, Jan. Maybe you should rethink your attraction. This Mac is married, and I don’t care that he doesn’t talk about his wife to you. Solly’s single and, well, have you ever been with a small man?” “No. … Continue reading →

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Emotional Heights (Beginning)

Posted on August 19, 2014 by sputterpub

“I’m gonna develop a subdivision and call it Emotional Heights. I’ll build on a hill somewhere with a nice view, and homeowner’s association dues will help defray the cost of required weekly counseling for all residents. I’ll people it with … Continue reading →

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Taps

Posted on August 18, 2014 by sputterpub

Six hundred thirty months of age has he, whom all the world deems 52 years old. I used to call it eccentricity – the way he misses things, or thinks it bold to be impulsive, wise to move with speed. … Continue reading →

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The Lost Boy

Posted on August 15, 2014 by sputterpub

He touched me, with his plaintive attitude, his passive grief about his wayward son, his collared shirt, his wide-waled pants, his mood responsive, his decision none. I heard him call his home, and there record a message on his answering … Continue reading →

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