Author Archives: sputterpub

A Gentle No

Posted on July 27, 2024 by sputterpub

Encountering a canvasser outsidemy neighbor’s door, a woman tall and old,who offered talk and postcard, I repliedwith “No” and gently said I’d not withholdthat card from the recycle bin. “I’m friedfor now with politics, my stress controlledby abstinence. I’ll re-engage … Continue reading →

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Vestibules

Posted on July 26, 2024 by sputterpub

It’s seldom that I slumber through the night.I gave up cannabis, and I’m so oldI wake up oftentimes. Such sleeping lightmakes several opportunities, all told,to linger between dream and conscious sight –a zone of interest, semi-self-controlled.Such vestibules I frequent, where … Continue reading →

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If Only

Posted on July 25, 2024 by sputterpub

If only one could engineer a bitof self-esteem for complicated youth.It’s like a magic feather, amulet,or token from a fortune-teller’s booth,encouraging all flights appropriate.I’d lend the recipe, but here’s the truth –you’d better try to open, to achievethe grace that … Continue reading →

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The Garden Today

Posted on July 24, 2024 by sputterpub

This time of year the garden overgrowsencouraged by the sunlight and the hose.I’m quite content among the green I chose,and former-neighbor gifts of plum and rose.

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The Compliment

Posted on July 23, 2024 by sputterpub

She called me “stalwart,” and the complimentremained in mind as I walked home with food.Behind me in the checkout line, she sentthe syllables at me and tipped my mood.She seemed my age, and neither weak nor bent.Her query “Are you … Continue reading →

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Ambiguity

Posted on July 22, 2024 by sputterpub

I’m sure you pressed CAPS LOCK by accident,when you responded emailing to me.We have no quarrel and you never meantto mimic ransom-note hostility.But it looks harsh, no matter your intent.I think regarding screen, we should agree,because there’s ambiguity by word,to … Continue reading →

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Conundrum

Posted on July 21, 2024 by sputterpub

On one hand, I have learned to patientlyabide, for change comes slower every year.But then again each day’s a gem to me,and I don’t want to spend one passively.I aim to plumb the puzzle till it’s clear,by clue amazing, talisman … Continue reading →

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Septuagenarianism

Posted on July 20, 2024 by sputterpub

From when I wake at dawn till 2 p.m.,I’m busy, active, driven to result.I have at least 10 items, tackle them,and usually 3 specials. Difficultit isn’t, habit-formed as an adult(Mom called me selfish/lazy till I grew).I’m proud-productive, over that insult,but … Continue reading →

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A Worry Break

Posted on July 19, 2024 by sputterpub

It isn’t that I worry activelyabout my kids – they grew up long ago.But as I survey life, the qualityof their experience – their jobs and health,their moods, their challenges with family –is part of what I reckon every day.This … Continue reading →

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Self-Awareness

Posted on July 18, 2024 by sputterpub

I read the Bible years ago, in full.Although it bored me some, it also madea deep impression. Not religious pull,but glimpses at the humor we’ve downplayed.Creation’s motive also crept on me –conversion into matter was in there.I took away the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cognition, Personality, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment