Author Archives: sputterpub

New Words

Posted on March 16, 2024 by sputterpub

Of course the kids are lovable and bright,but one, who here is nameless, rings my bell.They each caught how to build a sentence rightbut this one utters language awesome well.If they have an idea but don’t know quitethe term to … Continue reading →

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

American Red Squirrel

Posted on March 15, 2024 by sputterpub

My daughter photos roadkill that she meets,and maybe that’s why I paused yesterdayto pay attention, walking different streets,to this expired squirrel. But the wayhis body rested, in supine array,exhibited uniqueness to my sight.His chest and belly shone in soft display.I … Continue reading →

Posted in Critters, Neighborhood, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Contemplating the Promise

Posted on March 14, 2024 by sputterpub

We promised more than once that we would telleach other if we noticed any signof age-compressed perspectives that impelone’s personality to snit, repine,or tunnel vision, blurred and inward-turned.To forward and beyond we made our pact.But treaty’s gone to needy – … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Fernality

Posted on March 13, 2024 by sputterpub

A month ago, the ferns beneath the treewere old and rusty-looking, so he choppedthem down, and left brown clumps for me to see.I moved toward him as if I would have stoppedhis shears, but then he pointed to the weeand … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora, Home, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

After Three and a Half Days

Posted on March 12, 2024 by sputterpub

Self-conscious after surgery, and moreinclined to stay inside than normally(although he’s always liked his bedroom floorand often opts to play internally),I spent some hours in his company,in talk as usual and loving play.I don’t claim that the cure was purely … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Health, Love, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Preference

Posted on March 11, 2024 by sputterpub

About your love I’m not competitive.This friendship has to have some room for me.Our conversation’s argumentative,and seldom now includes affinity.You sort yourself and so refuse to bedynamic – you won’t grow or even bend.And lately you refute our history.I think … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, Personality, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Prunus

Posted on March 10, 2024 by sputterpub

I woke to petals scattered on the deck,and raised my gaze to note the floweringthat seemed to open overnight – each specka sign that still surprises every spring,a harbinger of fruit the weeks will bringthat only birds and squirrels want … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora, Home, Poetry, Weather | Tagged | Leave a comment

Minor Surgery

Posted on March 9, 2024 by sputterpub

The surgery was recommended now.A minor operation on a kid –enlargement and a skin graft to allowreception of more sound. The parents didconsent – I had no power to forbidand wouldn’t have. But what a stressful day.The hours dragged. I … Continue reading →

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Remnants

Posted on March 8, 2024 by sputterpub

I heard some clunks against my eastern wall.I woke but turned and soon returned to sleep.Nocturnal yardmates sometimes race or sprawl,and often use those drainpipes as they creepfrom roof to fence to deck to hunt, by crawlor pounce, and fight … Continue reading →

Posted in Critters, Home | Tagged | Leave a comment

What Now Is

Posted on March 7, 2024 by sputterpub

Of course I love the smell of printed ink.My prized possession always was a book.My favorite job was bookstore clerk, I think,and every move I made for shelves, until –the kids moved out and small became my kink;and independent merchants … Continue reading →

Posted in Neighborhood, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment