Author Archives: sputterpub

WTW (Part 2 of 3)

Posted on April 23, 2014 by sputterpub

It was hard for the young spies to operate near the handball courts. There was no shelter except the concrete structure itself, and the ground was clear in all directions around it. Candace and Mellie watched Carmella enter the area, … Continue reading →

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WTW (Part 1 of 3)

Posted on April 22, 2014 by sputterpub

When Candace and Mellie were 13, they were sex fiends. That was their favorite subject, for private musing or confidential conversations. They’d been friends since they were 10, and they still played with their Barbie dolls. But not with the … Continue reading →

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Low Maintenance

Posted on April 21, 2014 by sputterpub

The English ivy blossoms in the yard as ugly as the fungus where a tile lost its grout, tenacious and as hard to kill. In shape like jacks collected while the ball allows, they’re wasp-attracting signs of pestilence and immortality: … Continue reading →

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Dandelion

Posted on April 18, 2014 by sputterpub

The earth has wheeled again around the sky; a dozen months have cycled in their turn. If we could view the revolution high above ourselves, then maybe we would learn our planet is a dandelion heart: The stem is spun … Continue reading →

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Facets (End)

Posted on April 17, 2014 by sputterpub

That’s where I come in. It was 1979 and Bethany and I were 29. Trying to make a go of India Inc., our occult-bookstore-with-art-supplies. We didn’t (make a go), but Bethany and Tom made lots of sparks and then a … Continue reading →

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Facets (Middle)

Posted on April 16, 2014 by sputterpub

Most marriages were still arranged back then. Esther was determined to pair one of her sons with Millie, the daughter of her own best friend. According to Hersch’s comments, this was a practical as well as loving consideration on the … Continue reading →

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Facets (Beginning)

Posted on April 15, 2014 by sputterpub

You don’t see many twelve-sided diamonds around. They’re hard to cut, which is why the cut requires a hard stone, which is why the only twelve-sided gems are diamonds. A twelve needs a big stone or a really good cutter, … Continue reading →

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Screens

Posted on April 14, 2014 by sputterpub

Admitting the mosquitos won the war of open window, I have purchased screens. They come from factory instead of store. They look attractive but their presence means I won’t be reaching outside any more: my hand won’t touch the rain, … Continue reading →

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Okay

Posted on April 11, 2014 by sputterpub

I breakfasted on anger years ago. I took in news with coffee, always struck by crazy folks, surreal reports, a show of mob-bemused insanity. I’d buck at paragraphs that can’t be proven, know my mind and no one else’s, have … Continue reading →

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Copywrong (II of II)

Posted on April 10, 2014 by sputterpub

She read the poem to her next door neighbors. She adored Barbara and she despised Barry; she showed it to them both. She didn’t know whether she did that to add to her pride or her shame; she just couldn’t … Continue reading →

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