Category Archives: Aging

Minor Medical Misery

Posted on June 9, 2026 by sputterpub

I knew exams would be a challenge, soI pre-rewarded yesterday: a mealcomprising food and friendship – eating slowand talking fast – was just my kind of deal.I have to sacrifice this morning’s glowto eye exam – those drops have no … Continue reading →

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Surprises

Posted on June 6, 2026 by sputterpub

A weak back, brittle bones, and gum diseaseall constitute amazements as I age.I wasn’t predisposed to maladiesof mouth or spine, according to the gaugethat served me otherwise. I thought I knewmy body like I understand my mind.But looking at conditions … Continue reading →

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3 AM

Posted on June 4, 2026 by sputterpub

It isn’t perfect here, although it’s good.The atmosphere’s not dark enough at night.So much illuminates the neighborhood,the view’s not midnight-blue through my skylight.At 3 a.m. no stars beguile my sight;I probably could read without a lamp.An eyemask doesn’t suit – … Continue reading →

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She Will Forget

Posted on June 2, 2026 by sputterpub

She will forget, and doesn’t moderateher habits, so the added years abetthe problem – missing things and running late.She will forget. I don’t want her to feel she’s in my debt,so I try subtly to accommodate.It hurts to see her … Continue reading →

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For the Boys

Posted on June 1, 2026 by sputterpub

Although my parents picked at me, and mockedmy oddities, and disciplined me first(I was the oldest), and were sometimes shockedor charmed the way I spoke, and thought I nursedmy shrimp as prized beyond how each enjoysa favorite, though for years … Continue reading →

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Appeerances

Posted on May 30, 2026 by sputterpub

Although I don’t sleep well, and I’m now coldin 70 degrees, without the sun,and seem to bruise if breeze attacks my holdon keys or bottle-tops, I am not done.My skin is crepe-like creased – I know I’m old,yet I’ve but … Continue reading →

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Requiem

Posted on May 29, 2026 by sputterpub

Another member of the familyexpired yesterday. We weren’t closeexcept in age – some years past 70 –related through our kids. She lost her mindbefore she gave up functionality,but even that forsook her over time.It’s been two years since she’d remember … Continue reading →

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Dismay Dues

Posted on May 27, 2026 by sputterpub

All three of us had narcissistic momswho gazed in mirrors more than at their girls.They blocked our feelings with their upraised palms,and teaching husband hunting, dropped no pearlsof useful wisdom. Each preferred her son,and deprecated women when they could.Transactional perspective … Continue reading →

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Male Mail

Posted on May 25, 2026 by sputterpub

I pulled the papers out a year ago –three stacks of correspondence from old friends,I stored for half a century or sowithin the trunk my father made, that tendsold paperwork and serves in table’s stead.I sent one batch, acknowledged soon … Continue reading →

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Cloudy

Posted on May 24, 2026 by sputterpub

I used to think that I’d be recognizedfor writing as I did. As I still do.I practiced and I never was disguised,for nothing big was hid – it all was true.But though to me the syllables were prized,I didn’t sell … Continue reading →

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