Category Archives: Critters

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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Stag Gazer

Posted on August 18, 2022 by sputterpub

Returning home at nearly 9 p.m.,I stopped outside to find my entrance key.A movement caught my eye – with no “ahem”I spied an antlered stag observing me.He paused his dinnertime activity.We traded looks respecting sight and space.Then I moved toward … Continue reading →

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Bone Yard

Posted on April 23, 2022 by sputterpub

While reading news about how far we’ve sunk,I heard a thud of something hit the deck.I looked to find the reason for the clunk,and there was evidence of body wreckthat dropped from high. It wasn’t any skunk.A squirrel or raccoon … Continue reading →

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Mystery Bug

Posted on March 30, 2022 by sputterpub

I climbed into my bed with gratitude.The day was long and rest a welcome plan.I plumped the pillows, lit the lamp, and viewedthe current novel, Kindle in my hand.No sooner was location 80 scannedthan twice an insect tried to bother … Continue reading →

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