Author Archives: sputterpub

Drainage

I didn’t measure and I don’t have stats,but we’ve absorbed a spate of rain this year.If quantity is up to last year, that’ssignificant. So far the bricks appearless damp where they abut the floor, and nearthe hearth the mortar doesn’t … Continue reading →

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Remedial Wisdom

I’m slow to comprehend my impotencein trying to deflect someone I lovefrom iterating choice that makes no sense.My logic fails, my reason gives no shove,and little matters my intelligence, except to late-accept, like from above,the counsel I change counsel to … Continue reading →

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Who Makes the Coffee

Unsexy wrestling matches, tacit, vain, like who worked harder, who dealt with more stress,became a common thread, a dull refrainthat thrummed beneath domestic busyness.What once had been good talking and directcommunication, clouded with subtext.The friendship love had led us to … Continue reading →

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Getting Down

My mother can’t get down upon the floor,and up again is even harder still.She’s 98 – you’re 70 plus 4 –the exercise is not a test of skill.It takes exertion that needs more of willthan sinew. Don’t surrender easily.Make up-and-down … Continue reading →

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

Pointless

I paid attention to his words. Four yearsago he wouldn’t stay at home. He saidalthough he loved his partner, he had fearsestrangement could develop. So instead,he opted for the office, ate his breadmid-day alone, and registered no lack.His story now … Continue reading →

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

Receptivity

Reiterating (as he’s wont to do),he wondered how cartoonists can createan opus every day. He likes to chewold questions, aimless, when he could insteadattempt a daily project, so he knewthat practice will cause receptivity.His focus would expand – in, out, … Continue reading →

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Owning the Outing

An atmospheric river, says the news.My mother, brother, buddies second that.If I were you I’d stay home, they enthuse,but I’m determined I will venture out.The bus and train are running – I can usethem and my feet to visit some … Continue reading →

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

Snucco

They snuck the stucco on one day last week.I must have been away from home – I heardno indication, saw no skilled technique.It’s been a while since I’ve penned a wordabout the houses blocking my obliqueperspective, for this is at … Continue reading →

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Winter Insects

I dreamt last night of insects in my place.Ten ants supported a mosquito lead.The crawlers visit winters, when a braceof rain befalls, but do mosquitos breedin cold?She tries to buzz my toddler’s face;I execute before the beast can feed.I carefully … Continue reading →

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Tuesday Off

I like to spend my Mondays home alone.I opted years ago to not commutethat day but work remotely, first by phoneand later email, erranding as well.And even in “retirement,” I’m proneto save the day for me – I see the … Continue reading →

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