Author Archives: sputterpub

Catechism

Posted on September 9, 2026 by sputterpub

So when will you be honest?“All the time.” And when will you be nice?He paused in thought and read my face.His “Most the time,” was prime. And as for helpful? When? He’d been thrice taught.“Sometimes,” was the response that laughter … Continue reading →

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August Memorial

Posted on September 8, 2026 by sputterpub

A BART delay (detritus on a track),an uphill walk, and picketing outside,a hidden entrance to a group in black,but I arrived on time. Two parents diedwho merited memorial. In backand flanked by shared descendants, well-suppliedwith water crackers, memory and word,we … Continue reading →

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Like a Dick

Posted on September 7, 2026 by sputterpub

Be like a dick. I say this to attractattention. I don’t mean impoliticin attitude or speech or any act.Be like a dick. Be velvet over steel. No stab or prick,but with your center coursing firm, in fact,so able to stand … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Prized Possession

Posted on September 6, 2026 by sputterpub

I longed for one possession I could prizeabove all others, like a heroineof tales or lore, of humble origin:a single doll of rags that in my eyesand arms was cherished without compromise.I owned too much for rarity to win.I longed … Continue reading →

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Power Wash

Posted on September 5, 2026 by sputterpub

I’m power-washing trapped within today.Outside my doors are soap-and-water showers.There’s noise surrounding me, and every wayI look is wet. At least a couple hoursI’ll be here; an expert aiming sprayprepares my place for winter. As he scoursroofs and wood, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Home, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Goldbud

Posted on September 4, 2026 by sputterpub

The orchard is in Placerville I see(I looked it up online the other night),where valley temperature is perfectlyappropriate for growing stone fruit right.I paid the price for two (that wasn’t light),and toted them to kids I love, to teachby sharing … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Poetry, Weather | Tagged | Leave a comment

Baggage

Posted on September 3, 2026 by sputterpub

I set up home for comfort, and I loveto linger here, in theory and in fact.This one-room cottage fits me like a glove,and nowhere tops its power to attractmy steps. But coming days and weeks impactmy inclination – I will … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Personality, Poetry, Transit | Tagged | Leave a comment

About Last Night

Posted on September 2, 2026 by sputterpub

I fretted for too long on money stuff,regarding one too old to govern well.And to his health I sunk more than enoughof time last night to sink in slumber’s spell.I gave too many minutes to the toughremembrance of a name. … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Inside Out

Posted on September 1, 2026 by sputterpub

She’s tough as nails outside but goo within.Abrasive in her attitude and speech,her inside seems routinely feminineand hesitant, near-passive. I would preachreversal if she’d heed. Her originincluded clues but I think she can teachherself inversion – velvety appeal,encasing personality of … Continue reading →

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Lila Time

Posted on August 31, 2026 by sputterpub

A clock in base 16 makes sense to me.And yes, from 1 to 5 a.m. speeds past.A 2 that’s raised 4 powers energy,and decreased distance counsels not-so-fast.I like the way she comprehends a vastdimension making measuring us all.Contracting or expanding, … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Kidspeak, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment