Category Archives: Home

Again the Ants

Posted on March 9, 2023 by sputterpub

Again the ants invade. It’s no surprise.Survival instincts have to be obeyed.Outside is cold and wet. Before my eyes,again the ants invade. Like moving coffee grounds, the bugs paradewithin my kitchen sink. So I ariseto drown and crush and vacuum … Continue reading →

Posted in Critters, Home, Poetry, Weather | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Raccoon Roof

Posted on March 8, 2023 by sputterpub

A garden cottage will have critter soundof course – the insect buzz, the song of birds,the punch of bodies on the roof, that poundof mammal paws. Conveying such in wordsI say the cats are silent as on ground,and squirrels are … Continue reading →

Posted in Critters, Home, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Accumulation

Posted on March 5, 2023 by sputterpub

Four years ago my bathroom was remade,creating space for bathtub, better sink,retaining skylight, fitting higher gradeof tile. My designer had to thinkcreatively; the workers knew their trade.I use the sink to rinse but not to drink,shampoo or launder. I behave … Continue reading →

Posted in Home, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Dead Tree

Posted on March 2, 2023 by sputterpub

I don’t know what variety it was,but there are three adjacent to the fence.I’m noticing it recently, becausethe guy who tends the garden pointed thencea month ago. Its death conveyed no sense,but he and I intend to make amendsto dirt … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora, Home, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Efflorescence

Posted on February 27, 2023 by sputterpub

The mortar’s not supposed to turn to dust.It shouldn’t bulge and powder-drop this way.I’ll call and pay a tradesman if I must,but that’s an errand for a later day.I’m sure there’s water – we had so much rain,there has to … Continue reading →

Posted in Home, Poetry, Weather | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Condensation

Posted on February 22, 2023 by sputterpub

I boiled water for a nasal rinseand fogged my kitchen windows thoroughly.The garden view is looking wintry since,but spring in fact approaches bloomingly,so pollen irritates me, probably,producing mucus and persistent drainthat coats my throat and chokes phlegmatically,distilling a desire for … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Home, Poetry, Weather | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Homecoming

Posted on February 12, 2023 by sputterpub

Returning after 20 years awayfrom where she started life and spent much time,the differences she notices dismay,but most the views are charming – urban grimeand old graffiti, weather off the bay,drug deals half-mistakable as crime,lights and bikes and ambience so … Continue reading →

Posted in Home, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Other People’s Problems

Posted on February 3, 2023 by sputterpub

I bought the cottage 15 years ago.Its genesis in 1944was guest room in the yard, where it won’t show,behind a single-family shingled house.A college town, the place would undergoprogression into flats to rent, then buy.An H.O.A. of 5 at last, … Continue reading →

Posted in Home, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Local(e) Benefits

Posted on January 21, 2023 by sputterpub

How fortunate I feel for living here.Not only does this cottage suit my soul,but I selected gentle atmosphere,away from floodplains, chosen with a goalof walking where I need, with merchants near,and thus with timing under my control.You’ve heard me advocate … Continue reading →

Posted in Home, Neighborhood, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Echeveria

Posted on January 19, 2023 by sputterpub

We planted succulents a year ago.Removing ivy and some old bamboo,I wanted drought-resistant green to grow,intent to tuck the roots in rocks. But yousaid soil wouldn’t stay in place, and sowe wedged in pots (some hidden, some in view).They did … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora, Home, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment