Category Archives: Family

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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Ministering to a Middle-Aged Son

Posted on September 23, 2025 by sputterpub

Post-surgical and feeling little pain(discomfort in his posture probably,exceeded by relief that in the mainit went so well he knows that he will besoon able to resume activity),and disinhibited by poppy’s kin,he speaks his mind and closely questions meon matters … Continue reading →

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Well, Actually

Posted on September 21, 2025 by sputterpub

“Well, actually,” he says, and it’s the baneof someone who adores him naturally,but can’t abide to hear the kid’s refrain:“Well, actually.” He’s only 8 but often factuallycorrect. And that he’s trying to mansplainis only entertaining you and me. I watch … Continue reading →

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Gas Powered Steps

Posted on September 10, 2025 by sputterpub

In years the span’s exceeding 55, since I first felt the agony of gas. And from that time, I’ve managed to survive a few attacks until the toxic pass occurred. In general, I seem to thrive — I’m comforted the … Continue reading →

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Late & Unexpected

Posted on August 17, 2025 by sputterpub

It took three-quarters of a century,but someone’s acting lovingly concerned.Dementia? Maybe frozen memory?Perhaps a guarded soul has lately learnedto voice real care without apology,but infant love is finally returned.Receiving such too elderly to need it,I smile tenderly and don’t impede … Continue reading →

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Family Split

Posted on August 16, 2025 by sputterpub

The marriage lasted nearly 50 years.The husband joined his spouse’s familywhole-heartedly, embracing atmospheresexotic, homely, filled with euphonyhe never heard where he matured – a pallexisted in those houses, anger brewedin silence and absorbed by alcohol,inheritance in strong addiction stewed. But … Continue reading →

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