Category Archives: Family

400 Months in the Making

Posted on December 16, 2024 by sputterpub

At what age does the child comprehendthe parent is a person who can livein panorama, as the years extenduntil the kid can venture to forgive?Perhaps it happens when he starts to bendto parenthood himself, in stress’s sieve.Or maybe it will … Continue reading →

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The Threatening Threes

Posted on November 30, 2024 by sputterpub

I know a 3 year-old (she’ll soon be 4)who captured the idea that she controlswhat happens and by whom and even more –the way all eyes should aim. The parents’ rolesdon’t matter, not to them: the weary souls.And lately time … Continue reading →

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Shouldering

Posted on November 27, 2024 by sputterpub

His shoulder fits my palm exquisitely.And though I’ve been besotted since his start,there’s now a tender bony qualitythat heats and even pulls my heart apartto make an ever bigger space, where hecan safely lodge in love and memory.I know and … Continue reading →

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Sibling Dinner

Posted on November 18, 2024 by sputterpub

I think we liked each other even whenwe squabbled young in bickering and tease.But as we’ve aged, and only now and thenachieve a meeting, after kiss and squeeze,we fall into affection’s lap again,where every word and thought just serves to … Continue reading →

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FOMO

Posted on November 8, 2024 by sputterpub

When I began providing grandkid care(2 days a week), before the plague arrived,the parents left for work all day, and therein playful creativity we thrived.Our moods in sync, our attitudes agreed.I grew more close to him than I had donewith … Continue reading →

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All Sweets Day

Posted on November 4, 2024 by sputterpub

At loose ends on a Friday close to 6,without a task ahead and feeling well,I have the yen to pen again, affixa nib to paper, let the blue ink flow.Without a pressing subject (nothing sticksin mind or begs to make … Continue reading →

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Fridays at 6

Posted on November 1, 2024 by sputterpub

There’s quiet satisfaction that I feelas soon as they come running through the door.Their energy is boundless, coursing, real,and I sit back, receiving hugs and more.High-pitched their voices greet me with a peal,for they are nearly 8 and almost 4.And … Continue reading →

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Accidental Aphorism

Posted on October 26, 2024 by sputterpub

At table with four strangers, we engagedin pleasant conversation more or less.Amid strong personalities, none wageda war of words or politics. I guessa phrase was coined (by me, I here confess),to put in words a parent’s strategy:“I have their backs … Continue reading →

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Just a Question

Posted on October 1, 2024 by sputterpub

I asked “How are you?” and I meant it too.You sensed sincerity and looked concerned,as if I had suspicions maybe youshould be upset about, as if I learnedsome fact of disadvantage. That’s untrue.It’s just that I’m aware how often burnedyou … Continue reading →

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Newly Anxious People

Posted on August 19, 2024 by sputterpub

My oldest friend reported yesterdayanxiety she never felt before(I always sensed it, but I couldn’t sayas much – she cherished laid-back image more).It’s now progressed too present to ignore,and seems to me from cognitive declineendured without resistance, save a whine. … Continue reading →

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