Category Archives: Civics

Service Usurpers

Posted on September 12, 2021 by sputterpub

They planned to take a road trip to the coast.Pandemic urged them turn away from flightsand places crowds buy tickets for, and mostamusements that had long-bestowed delights.But then the chance of accident made toastof their intentions. Folks who harbored frightsof … Continue reading →

Posted in Civics, Coronaverse, Health, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

It’s a Wonderful Nation

Posted on September 5, 2021 by sputterpub

I never dreamed I’d have a thought like this.The question never rose until this week.A proud American, how did I missthe cowardice, the rampant lies? We speakof values, heroism, how to live,but all we see’s venality and more.I wonder as … Continue reading →

Posted in Civics, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Lord of the Flies

Posted on September 2, 2021 by sputterpub

I didn’t like the book. I disagreedwith where it moved and what that pathway meant.I never would have chosen it to read,but that’s how then the school assignments went.That’s roughly when my passion stirred to markthe character of citizens around.I … Continue reading →

Posted in Civics, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Duality

Posted on August 25, 2021 by sputterpub

“I stand behind my stance,” the leader said.“I’m firmly for my own decision now.”His language made me wonky in the head –I couldn’t help imagining just howa person stands behind himself, insteadof justifying what his quotes allow.We think in words … Continue reading →

Posted in Civics, Language, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Whine of the Week

Posted on August 13, 2021 by sputterpub

The smallest state’s equivalent to us –two Senators are what we each elect.So why is there an argument or fusspreserving filibuster? We all knowthe Senate’s anti-democratic, plusRepublicans are weak and seek to cheat.So politicians think they should discussa moribund tradition … Continue reading →

Posted in Civics, Poetry | Leave a comment

Flailing Sestina

Posted on July 23, 2021 by sputterpub

I dabbled in Old Norse at 22,which meant I got Icelandic history.I learned that when a culture’s in demise,when petty kings are facing bitter change,they’re driven to record what’s ending then,with words and pictures or revolting ways. When England turned … Continue reading →

Posted in Civics, Lessons, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Talking Heads

Posted on April 24, 2021 by sputterpub

I heard a Republican speakas if his path leads to a peak.They cannot disguiseall their cheating and lies,but gaslighting is their technique.

Posted in Civics, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Extrapolation Fails

Posted on April 23, 2021 by sputterpub

Extrapolation fails me now I’m old.The past is no predictor, we’ve been told,of stock market performance. Such is truein fact, more than we ever dreamed or knew,for disconnects are booming big and bold. No vision of tomorrow can be soldwhen … Continue reading →

Posted in Civics, Coronaverse, Health, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Number 366

Posted on March 18, 2021 by sputterpub

So this is post three hundred sixty-six(I feared the lockdown might last several weeks).I didn’t know uncivil politicswould so beleaguer us the flu would thrive.I’m used to home, and though the mask constrictsmy wind, I’m walking outside anyway.While vaccination may … Continue reading →

Posted in Civics, Coronaverse, Health, Poetry, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Anniversary Villanelle

Posted on March 13, 2021 by sputterpub

When we began this fractious quarantine,I feared sequester might exceed three weeks.I never dreamed how plague would intervene. Our fate was like a busted trampoline –we tolerated broken springs and squeakswhen we began this fractious quarantine. Some fell and others … Continue reading →

Posted in Civics, Coronaverse, Health, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment