Category Archives: Critters

Breakfast

Posted on October 8, 2026 by sputterpub

I watched a hummingbird above my gate,that sipped pineapple salvia in bloom.I marveled at how steadily she ate,and pondered while returning to my roomhow little time she had to vegetate,how short her life, how forced she is to zoom.Appreciating idleness … Continue reading →

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Thievery

Posted on August 18, 2026 by sputterpub

The neighbor hung a feeder from his eave,two storeys up and half a yard away.He’s thoughtful and had reason to believeno quadrupeds would dine on the arrayof seeds and millet, yet our critters thievegymnastically. I heard the skritch today,and looked … Continue reading →

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Fly Free

Posted on August 5, 2026 by sputterpub

I hate it when a fly comes in my room.Yet I don’t want to murk my view with screens.I took to closing doors to bar the zoom,but August heat and dead air’s what that means.A stranger commented – no fly … Continue reading →

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Seasonality

Posted on June 5, 2026 by sputterpub

My yard mates are abundant now – birds flockto scavenge from the ground and browse the buds.A dozen squirrels race on roof, and mockmy quietude with footfalls loud as thuds(a tree gives easy access). Raccoon stockis fat and gravid. Fruitfulness … Continue reading →

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Two Doors

Posted on April 13, 2026 by sputterpub

Prohibiting a pet is not allowed,although the ban is in our documents.The drafter sought avoidance of a loudcondition, to protect inhabitants.The newest member of this residencecomes with a roommate, gentle, on all fours.She’s out right now – by man and … Continue reading →

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After Spring Rain

Posted on April 9, 2026 by sputterpub

The vernal rain that wet us yesterday,continuing to drizzle overnight,made blossoms droop and leafing branchlets splayupon the ground and wooden walk. The sightof greenlings down comprised a dawn display.I sheared and composted by early light,and spooked a baby skunk that … Continue reading →

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Watching a Fly Die

Posted on March 18, 2026 by sputterpub

The fly attempted an escape, I feel,by dashing to the window’s tempting light,but it will not be opened. The appealwas clear but not productive. Stuttered flightexhausted it, and felled it in my sight.I watched its final twitches on the floor.When … Continue reading →

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Varmints

Posted on March 5, 2026 by sputterpub

I saw six ants, one skunk and two raccoonsthe morning after drizzle, breeze and rain.Our weather here is nothing like monsoons,but we don’t tend to work on how things drain.So standing water is a common bane –mosquito pools and rodent … Continue reading →

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Jay

Posted on January 13, 2026 by sputterpub

I saw a scrub jay on the deck. That’s rare –I never winter-spotted one before.A lookup says they’re common – but I starewith interest out my windows all the morenow I’m retired, and in fact it’s fairto state, since Covid … Continue reading →

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Smelling

Posted on January 5, 2026 by sputterpub

At 4 a.m. I stirred and sensed the stingof musk from neighbor skunks invade my sleep.I saw the pair at 7 and, next thingI knew, the reek again began to seepinto my cottage. I don’t try to keepthe creatures off … Continue reading →

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