Category Archives: Civics

Silly Question

Posted on October 6, 2025 by sputterpub

“What’s going on with Portland?” queried she,and naturally attempting to refuseto justify irrationality,I recommended turning off the news.But she persisted, and I can’t defusethe plaintive nagging tone she puts in play.So I suggested she enlarge her views,and said “no worse … Continue reading →

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Dereliction

Posted on May 30, 2025 by sputterpub

There used to be a skating rink downtown,and industry on what would be our MainStreet if no one had named it for renownhistorical, which now has no refrain.There used to be some vibrancy, but brownand gray are waxing as the … Continue reading →

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Tower

Posted on May 29, 2025 by sputterpub

At nearly 3 pm, as one can see,I aimed my vision heavenward, becauseon ground were graduates and family,and further out was myriad with flawsof government and personality,of characters without a moral clause.Immediate appeared to me a wreck,so I looked up … Continue reading →

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For Now

Posted on March 4, 2025 by sputterpub

I had occasion, several days ago,to walk four thousand steps to meet a friend,enjoy a tasty lunch before the show,and talk about some travel we intendto make in seven months, although dependon it – experience may intervene.Bad health or politics … Continue reading →

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Solace

Posted on February 15, 2025 by sputterpub

Most public servants aren’t competent;effective doesn’t seem to be a goal.So I don’t think we’ll call it accidentwhen red team fails to carry out its goal.Their players don’t appear intelligent.Their leader lacks sufficient self-control.Such comforts me, renewing hope and nerve.If … Continue reading →

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Murmuring Couplets

Posted on February 11, 2025 by sputterpub

Where crosswalks aren’t indicated, thereare fewer accidents. When workers weartheir chosen clothes, like Fridays, they producemore than when they’re constrained in stuff not loose.Catastrophes invite the best, and anyoccasions full of looters aren’t many.Around is mostly good, I want to … Continue reading →

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Morning Minute

Posted on February 9, 2025 by sputterpub

“There oughta be a law,” she said to me. “Without enforcement?” Then I shook my head.“The matter just needs sense and courtesy.Let’s leave it to our consciences instead.” “I think you’re advocating anarchy.You know the warlords; soon we’d all be … Continue reading →

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Second Draft

Posted on February 5, 2025 by sputterpub

I’m not naive. I’m far too old to be.But I believe that we’ve too many laws.I say I’m versed in chunks of history,and where we’re worst, perhaps the rules give cause.Most people are benign and neighborly.The bulk of us are … Continue reading →

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Gripping Griping

Posted on November 22, 2024 by sputterpub

Perhaps the populace is dumbing down.It seems unfiltered speech is on the rise.And insight’s swamped among some tides that drownconsideration. This is no surprise.The signals have been here without disguise –since 17, I’ve seen the evidence.But lately what is striking … Continue reading →

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FWIW

Posted on November 16, 2024 by sputterpub

When bird flu first arrived in Western news,I recollect extreme anxiety.A house ago, I entertained the viewsof dire damage to humanity.And maybe living through that episode,embracing impotence and lack of fact,is what prepared me, when the Covid rodeus hard, to … Continue reading →

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