Category Archives: Family

Audubon/Autobahn

Posted on May 27, 2023 by sputterpub

Confusing the birdwatching patriarch namewith Germany’s roadway for speed,and hearing “gold standard” but in the wrong frame(“iconic” I thought would succeed),I started to smile and nodded my head.I love them but speak differently.Away from my garden, my bath and my … Continue reading →

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Sabbatical

Posted on May 26, 2023 by sputterpub

They set their phones down once a week of late –from Friday night through Saturday foregothe tiny screen, the tinny tune – relateto three or more dimensions, like a throw-back (ages range from 12 to 48).I’m visiting, and now they … Continue reading →

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Stern

Posted on May 25, 2023 by sputterpub

Don’t stern-talk me, his sister said.That didn’t work from Dad.Attempts to shush me bend my headand only make me mad.You might try listening instead(I really wish you had).That pose supposed to ferry dreadlooks insecure and sad.

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Leaning In

Posted on May 23, 2023 by sputterpub

We sat upon the couch and talked a bit.He wasn’t feeling well in back or head.Fatigue besieged (as is appropriate,with two young kids to wrest him from his bed).Attending to the way he sat and said,respecting his full plate and … Continue reading →

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KCA to NYC

Posted on May 18, 2023 by sputterpub

Though born and raised in Berkeley, she’s too muchfor Westerners to tolerate with ease.She fills a room and ambles fast. She’s sucha driven worker, friends and enemiesretreat from competition. Expertiseis what she likes, employing pull and torqueshe had from birth … Continue reading →

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Less Parent Stress

Posted on May 15, 2023 by sputterpub

I disagree but dare not disapprove.There may not be a wrong-and-right to it.The better part of wisdom could behoovea parent to adjust to time. What fitmy ancestors was inappropriatefor me when I was struggling with mine.I witness now a difference, … Continue reading →

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Mother to Son

Posted on May 13, 2023 by sputterpub

She asked my comment – should she intervene?Sit down and look sincerely in his eyes,and tell him to escape the liquored scenehe lives with? To abandon compromiseand leave the lady love he doesn’t love?Her son has always acted like he … Continue reading →

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More Good Than Gold

Posted on May 12, 2023 by sputterpub

Though silence may be golden, that dependson what inspires it. When it proceedsfrom earnest ignorance, it none offends,but is that gold? Or simply lack of noise?The platinum of silence comprehendshow biding and awaiting leads to good.To dwell unsure and pause … Continue reading →

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Metaphor

Posted on May 11, 2023 by sputterpub

I longed for independence as a kid.I wanted power, to be in controlof self of course, and boundaries I’d ridor cherish. I took on an adult role.I wasn’t scared of bills, and though I lovedmy family, I pushed their care … Continue reading →

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Mom’s Almost-Fall

Posted on April 28, 2023 by sputterpub

She didn’t fall, exactly – more a slide,slow-motion and against the idling car,until she gently met the asphalt. Pridedictated her denial, but by farit was the softest topple. Sure we arerelieved we saw no injury. We heldher and uprighted her, … Continue reading →

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