Category Archives: Family

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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An Unreliable Narrator

Posted on August 18, 2024 by sputterpub

Of course I listened to my mom at first;I spent that time with her, and I was young.But over years I found she was the worstconveyor of emotions given tongue.She harmless seemed, but her pathologywas never given voice or even … Continue reading →

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Reminded

Posted on August 17, 2024 by sputterpub

Our conversation spurred me to recallthat 15 years ago the course was set.Two kids were babies then, adored when small,the third a year from breathing air and yet,the atmosphere at home was trending cruel –at least one parent pompous, self-proclaimedand … Continue reading →

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Mitigated Bitching

Posted on August 15, 2024 by sputterpub

I’d criticize the way my children raisetheir children, but I’d have to look at me.I reared the slobs myself, in olden days,and can’t assume each spouse exclusivelyresponsible for choices that must bea shared decision. And to tell the truth,the middle … Continue reading →

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Blur

Posted on August 12, 2024 by sputterpub

We ask, and he replies he’s not depressed,and dire as it’s been, he’s felt no pain.But symptoms do not lie, and we’re impressedwith dullness and postponement. His refrain –“I’m cool. And yes, I’ll do what you suggest,but not today” – … Continue reading →

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Sunday

Posted on August 11, 2024 by sputterpub

There’s probably a puzzle we can solve,a pose to stretch the muscles we’ll soon use.I think I’m game for what does not involveattention to the headlines in the news.Avoiding politics and sports, I chooseto kiss the carpet and inhale some … Continue reading →

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Fourcast

Posted on August 10, 2024 by sputterpub

The image on the forecast is a cloud,but I see streaks of blue at 7:10,and I hear moods emerging from the shroudof tumbled sheets and fitful dreams again.The best here battle grumpiness – young mentoo short on friends, a woman … Continue reading →

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