Category Archives: Family

From Cottage Club

Posted on November 30, 2025 by sputterpub

The view on Saturday at 9 a.m.is what I only see when I’m awayfrom home each week and cottage-hosting them,now grown so big that they prefer to playon screen instead of holding cards. I sayI’ll read and neither sweetheart acts … Continue reading →

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Error

Posted on November 1, 2025 by sputterpub

I’m not a good triangulation point.I really don’t do subtext very well.I have a role, but no one did anointme as a messenger. I cannot tellthem how to act. My counsel doesn’t spellas magic, cure or oracle. I’ll teachmyself instead, … Continue reading →

Posted in Cognition, Family, Language, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

A Life Unfelt

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sputterpub

“You shouldn’t feel that way,” she said again,a phrase I’ve borne and failed to understandlifelong. (I recollect I heard it whenattempting to express emotions fannedby friend or school). Before age 9 or 10I learned she scorned my poetry; she planneda … Continue reading →

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Card Class

Posted on October 24, 2025 by sputterpub

Construction paper, tape and scissors smallenough for them and usable by me,assembled on the table I’ll recalland reinforce with pix and poetry.Instructed by 3rd grade authority,a 4 year-old and I each made a card.We followed his directions happily,compatibly, in sync … Continue reading →

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Warm Day Walk

Posted on October 14, 2025 by sputterpub

I walk to buy the sour gummy bearsdescendants like, and frozen things for mebefore predicted heat can rise, while air’sstill cool and crowds have reached no quantity.The weight’s in vest and pack; my arms are free,and I examine gardens as … Continue reading →

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The Swamping of the Third-Born

Posted on October 13, 2025 by sputterpub

Considering the kids, I recognizethat two have what I call a playful brain.They alter names, with games they improvise;inside themselves they ever entertain.I comprehend their schemes – we never strainat talk which seems more fluent than with others.One’s oldest, but … Continue reading →

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Silly Question

Posted on October 6, 2025 by sputterpub

“What’s going on with Portland?” queried she,and naturally attempting to refuseto justify irrationality,I recommended turning off the news.But she persisted, and I can’t defusethe plaintive nagging tone she puts in play.So I suggested she enlarge her views,and said “no worse … Continue reading →

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Upon Return

Posted on October 5, 2025 by sputterpub

I woke too early yesterday, beforea shift alone with grandkids 4 and 8.They’re company I normally adoreand those 5 hours I would not abate.But oh the journey home took from me moreof stamina than I’ve reserved of late.The subsequents – … Continue reading →

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The Turnaround

Posted on September 30, 2025 by sputterpub

When we arrived, she wasn’t feeling well.Her attitude was obstinate and stressed.Before she started carping we could tell,although we knew it wasn’t lack of rest.She spoke and acted like she was depressed.We had to give the restaurant a shove,but wine … Continue reading →

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Ever-Blow

Posted on September 29, 2025 by sputterpub

The guy insulted me while dining out,although he knew the meal would be my treat.He spoke as if I weren’t there, no doubtdeluded that his words were wise and neat.I didn’t quibble and I didn’t shout.That blowhard never learned to … Continue reading →

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