Category Archives: Critters

Again the Ants

Posted on March 9, 2023 by sputterpub

Again the ants invade. It’s no surprise.Survival instincts have to be obeyed.Outside is cold and wet. Before my eyes,again the ants invade. Like moving coffee grounds, the bugs paradewithin my kitchen sink. So I ariseto drown and crush and vacuum … Continue reading →

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Raccoon Roof

Posted on March 8, 2023 by sputterpub

A garden cottage will have critter soundof course – the insect buzz, the song of birds,the punch of bodies on the roof, that poundof mammal paws. Conveying such in wordsI say the cats are silent as on ground,and squirrels are … Continue reading →

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Oaks Bottom

Posted on January 25, 2023 by sputterpub

Oaks Bottom was our site on Saturday.Two miles and a half of out and back,between the rains, between the swamp and swayof moss and lichen, on a muddy track.The owls we requested were away,but ducks were dipping down without a … Continue reading →

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Ant Skunk Opossum

Posted on January 15, 2023 by sputterpub

So far the winter here is crazy wet.Reports about La Niña have gone mute.Like seasons of my youth I don’t forget,the storms arrive in waves from a commuteAlaska sent, Hawaii made. The threatof parked high pressure’s this month destitute.It’s likely … Continue reading →

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Minute Invasions (A Pushkin Sonnet)

Posted on January 9, 2023 by sputterpub

For several years my gutters were untested.I didn’t have to check the bricks for wet.The drains out front were never storm-congested.But New Year’s weekend was the dampest yet.They call the wave an atmospheric river.The forecasters have managed to deliveran accurate … Continue reading →

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What Comes with Crows

Posted on December 26, 2022 by sputterpub

Sometimes the bird shit is hard to ignore –splats of bright white on the deck.Waking this morning I paused at the door,arrested by more than a speck.A crow had released a catharsis beforeI arose, but not long did it wreckmy … Continue reading →

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Ants on White Tile

Posted on November 17, 2022 by sputterpub

Our California ants are not a threat.They’re tiny and don’t bite or bring disease,but everywhere I live they seem to getinside the walls. Although we never freeze,we chill in fall to 45 degrees,and welcome rain that comes this time of … Continue reading →

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Trespassers

Posted on October 29, 2022 by sputterpub

I love this garden cottage. I’m amused by squirrel antics, possum lethargy, and even skunks at foraging. I’m used to raccoon noises and temerity. And I adore the doors of glass I see, but I might need a threshold tall … Continue reading →

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Dominance

Posted on September 21, 2022 by sputterpub

The only living things I kill are fliesand ants and other bugs I find withinmy house, that whine in ears or bite my skin.And as I tissue-hasten their demise,I think a slight apology. My sighsare small – for sure my … Continue reading →

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Postage

Posted on August 19, 2022 by sputterpub

The detail at the bottom of the stair –a boxy finial on newel wood –was damaged recently and needs repair.My brother says the current workmen shouldwhen finished fix the thing – “it’s only fairto recognize the damage and make good.”But … Continue reading →

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