Category Archives: Family

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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A Bit of Evening Game

Posted on August 15, 2025 by sputterpub

He made me play the Pokemon tutorial last nightwhen other games would surely be preferred.The cards were stacked in order so the play’d proceed just right;for this free dealing would have been absurd.By contrast Uno could have been a relative … Continue reading →

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Short Sleep

Posted on August 9, 2025 by sputterpub

It took me time to fall asleep last night.My tender throat inspired mortal thought,and talk about emotional insightand mysteries of medicine had broughtdisturbed considerations into light.I didn’t feel exactly overwrought,but comfort in the bed eluded meuntil the clock read some … Continue reading →

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Yellow

Posted on August 6, 2025 by sputterpub

We came upon him crying on the couch,his posture slumping forward and his facehair-hidden. We turned walking to a croucharound his curving frame, to strong-embraceour adolescent, murmur comfort, placegood words in air, and confidence-assign.We lit with love and nearly missed … Continue reading →

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Impossible Next

Posted on July 31, 2025 by sputterpub

She grew upset, and stood, and the disputewas interrupted by her swift retreat.She sought the porch while feeling destitute,unheard, unseen, by those who should be sweet-behaving after all she’s tried. Her heatdiminished in 5 minutes. But she knewof choices she … Continue reading →

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A Birthday Dinner

Posted on July 19, 2025 by sputterpub

The meal was fabulous: the room a treat;the service timing perfect; and the food?Each course was palate-present and a meetcompanion to the wine and talk. My moodwas light and loving, interaction sweetbut never cloying, sharp but nothing rude.Of dinners I’ve … Continue reading →

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Passages

Posted on July 9, 2025 by sputterpub

A bit concerned about last night’s report –her cracking voice, fatigue so evident,a mess she tried to clean of vile sort –and knowing that I have no precedentfor how the 99-year olds comportthemselves (without a time line prevalent),I carried tender … Continue reading →

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Go Figure This

Posted on July 2, 2025 by sputterpub

Go figure this – she focused the complainton one of two. Maternal prejudicefrom her is never subtle, nothing faint –go figure this. What she deems cute is dull and obvious.She thinks a gripe and blurts without restraint,and any wound she’ll … Continue reading →

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Sitting Sat

Posted on June 14, 2025 by sputterpub

Two quarter hours sitting in the suntoday, away from home and every chore,I processed stillness as a sort of fun,and felt I needn’t ask for any more.But I was with a relative who’s oneI like to visit. And I also … Continue reading →

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