Author Archives: sputterpub

On Moving the Office to Oakland

Posted on April 24, 2012 by sputterpub

For nearly 40 years, I crossed the bay to work at clerking on an endless list, to slay the tasks that fund my final pay though they have cost me neck and eyes and wrist. And for the most part … Continue reading →

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Nitwitness (1 of 5)

Posted on April 23, 2012 by sputterpub

“Of course it makes a difference. Every little bit adds up.” Keith spoke even as he changed lanes again without signaling. “Yeah sure,” Marnie uttered with sarcasm. “Like five minutes in a two hour trip. Really. There was a study … Continue reading →

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Inventory

Posted on April 20, 2012 by sputterpub

Department stores have too much stock for me – I feel I’ll never get to see it all, so every time I buy turns out to be an almost accidental pick. I fall for something close so I can get … Continue reading →

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Olfactories (End)

Posted on April 19, 2012 by sputterpub

These walls do not a prison make. These bars inhibit not. I bide in my room which is not a cell, so full of warmth now that I radiate. I could be a space heater, a hot brick against your … Continue reading →

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Olfactories (Middle)

Posted on April 18, 2012 by sputterpub

Her neighbor Olga begged her to come. It was a wine-and-cheese gathering to collect money to feed the homeless; normally Polly would donate and avoid. But this was abnormal Sunday. And she gave herself a way out. She set up … Continue reading →

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Olfactories (Beginning)

Posted on April 17, 2012 by sputterpub

Love at first sight takes 75 minutes. It could happen faster if we allowed it in the young, but we think they don’t understand love. Their province is infatuation. Adults require 75 minutes. The pheromones don’t take that long. They … Continue reading →

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Unfitness

Posted on April 16, 2012 by sputterpub

The drivers never stop for anyone on foot whom caution bids to hesitate. A light ahead has no effect; they gun their right extremities and race to wait. Pedestrians are somnolent and pale, too likely to ignore or waddle, swing … Continue reading →

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Bones

Posted on April 13, 2012 by sputterpub

As soothing as the forest is, its shade a shelter and its streams a melody, as lovely as the meadow is, displayed by vegetarians and poetry, we recommend the desert emptiness or take ourselves above the timber line to see … Continue reading →

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Finding the Fun in Funeral (5 of 5)

Posted on April 12, 2012 by sputterpub

And so it was. We had a wake for Mr. Fartham, and then we played Bingo for mementos. The wake was not about drinking out of pewter or any hope of Mr. Fartham rising again. Rather, we reminisced around him … Continue reading →

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Finding the Fun in Funeral (4 of 5)

Posted on April 11, 2012 by sputterpub

Elizabeth strode into the room. “I just don’t know what I’m going to do with all of Dad’s things…” She tossed her head as she complained, swinging her chin-length yellow hair toward the objects that filled the table. She tended … Continue reading →

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