Category Archives: Family

Vacation Without Vacating

Posted on July 15, 2021 by sputterpub

I thought as usual I’d have todayand half tomorrow quiet here, alone,and then I’d juggle bouts of toddler playand visits with my sibs and Mom (no phonebut in-real-life). And then I heard them saythe young will camp; the elders will … Continue reading →

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No Stairs

Posted on July 14, 2021 by sputterpub

A single-story home was ours, but friendshad houses with half-staircases inside.“Split-level” was the term I heard. Such trendsabounded then with fresh suburban pride.(My view of homes, at 8, was modified).When Mom complained she needed skates to carefor me, I thought … Continue reading →

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Lost Love

Posted on July 12, 2021 by sputterpub

Don’t love you enoughto argue any longer.It’s time to quit now.

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Pearls

Posted on July 11, 2021 by sputterpub

Was it my birth order? I was the first.Or does she have contempt for edgy girls?I know she loved us all, but I was cursedwith sexist expectations, given pearlsI never wanted, mocked for thoughtful aims,told that as I grew I’d … Continue reading →

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A Mess of Resentment

Posted on July 9, 2021 by sputterpub

I tend to misconstrue when I am hurt –at least that was the pattern in my youth.Confusing it with anger, I’d asserta righteous argument, although the truthI hid within, behind my strident blurt,was needy kid. It doesn’t take a sleuthor … Continue reading →

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Unstoppable Stoppable

Posted on July 7, 2021 by sputterpub

I didn’t see it coming. I’m surprised,although I should be used to that by now.She isn’t doing what we all advised –appearing to agree at our pow-wow,she won’t control her impulses, and can’tregard her own emotional response.Her inner wisdom always … Continue reading →

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Bad Med

Posted on July 4, 2021 by sputterpub

Escorting Mom back home – she isn’t dead –we settled her with medicines and railsaround each toilet and beside her bed,installed a shower chair because she’s frail(she’s 95, and lately tips the scaleat least 12 pounds below her normal weight).She … Continue reading →

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I For One

Posted on July 3, 2021 by sputterpub

I for one am still alive,and you for two are feeling well.But she for three’s not long to thrive(we ought to notice something fell).Her death approaches like a spell,inexorable and sure(aging doesn’t have a cure).I note where all our futures … Continue reading →

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An Old Whine

Posted on July 2, 2021 by sputterpub

My mother never liked my hair till now(and recent comments may be insincere).She always criticized and told me howI ought to wear it. In my 7th year,she had it hacked away – with blurt and sneershe claimed it was a … Continue reading →

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Tickets

Posted on June 28, 2021 by sputterpub

I booked an airplane trip. In 40 daysI’ll fly to visit family I love.For 18 months we’ve only had displayson FaceTime, but I needed quite a shoveto pick the flight. We’re opening all waysright now. So in a month I’ll … Continue reading →

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