Category Archives: Civics

Morass

Posted on August 12, 2026 by sputterpub

I fell into the news morass last night.About to stream, I network-paused and sawthe devastating fires. Then my sightwas taken by the despot twisting lawagain – no taste, surprise, not wise, not right.I flashed to Ozymandias and Musk.I sobered and … Continue reading →

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Told You So

Posted on August 7, 2026 by sputterpub

It made no sense to me, the way they claimedit either was a lab leak or the sitewhere animals for food were vended, named“wet market” in reporter lingo. Rightas life, I said it could be both. For mightan error in … Continue reading →

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Master of Destruction

Posted on May 21, 2026 by sputterpub

We children of the 50s chanted claimsespousing beauty, freedom, equity.To overturn stale culture were our aims,destroy the old and dance in amity.So revolution was the path we blazed,we thought, our numbers large, our energyunending. Even now I am amazedat how … Continue reading →

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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 →

Posted in Aging, Civics, Health, Neighborhood, Poetry, Transit | Tagged | 2 Comments

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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