Category Archives: Family

If He’s Okay (Grandparenting)

Posted on December 11, 2025 by sputterpub

If he’s okay, I’ll table my concern.I had a vision only yesterdayof child pain, but I’ll no longer churnif he’s okay. He’s 8. I well remember unkind playaround that age – cruel taunts and games that spurn.Protecting parents then, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Love, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

A Safe Space

Posted on December 9, 2025 by sputterpub

Perhaps nobody wants to hear me pana mediocre book, or to attendher criticizing. That’s in no one’s plan,but we’re together now, and we can lendeach other ears. Six days we get to spendsome quarter hours in our room, the car,or … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Personality, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Rather Not

Posted on December 4, 2025 by sputterpub

I didn’t fly to quibble or complain –my goal is soft reception, open eyesand ears – but I don’t welcome the disdainthat some beloved faces exercise.My purpose here is not to analyze,and no one says a lesson that I cravefrom … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Poetry, Transit | Tagged | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Family, Love, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Family, Personality, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Family, Love, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Family, Flora, Neighborhood, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

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 →

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

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 →

Posted in Aging, Civics, Family, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment