Category Archives: Language

Audubon/Autobahn

Posted on May 27, 2023 by sputterpub

Confusing the birdwatching patriarch namewith Germany’s roadway for speed,and hearing “gold standard” but in the wrong frame(“iconic” I thought would succeed),I started to smile and nodded my head.I love them but speak differently.Away from my garden, my bath and my … Continue reading →

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Stern

Posted on May 25, 2023 by sputterpub

Don’t stern-talk me, his sister said.That didn’t work from Dad.Attempts to shush me bend my headand only make me mad.You might try listening instead(I really wish you had).That pose supposed to ferry dreadlooks insecure and sad.

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Effective Recipe

Posted on May 24, 2023 by sputterpub

“Relax” and “Lighten up” do not produceresults except exasperating stress.And “shush” outside the library will loosein most resentment and in some a messof anger they are driven to express.If calm or quiet are the trends desired,such voicing may seem passive … Continue reading →

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Childhoods

Posted on March 24, 2023 by sputterpub

I knew him well, or so I thought back then.We married and we talked incessantly.The sex was good and we were best of friends.The subsequent divorce, it seemed to me,avoided bitterness, was short on rue,and never severed memories with tears.We … Continue reading →

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Tacking

Posted on February 23, 2023 by sputterpub

I thought it was a kindness, every dayto call a friend who’s ailing and alone.I often had to search for things to say –my plate’s still full and so to fill the phonewith items I’d share details – chat awaythe … Continue reading →

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Over the Over

Posted on February 18, 2023 by sputterpub

Accused of overvaluing intelligence,I took offense defensive and appalled.The added over didn’t scan. It made no sense.Would she prefer the child’s engine stalled? It took some pondering to comprehend –we’ve talked so long and frequently, we eachresent the other’s certainty. … Continue reading →

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Mayor of My Phone

Posted on January 16, 2023 by sputterpub

The first three letters of my name are “Mar.”In New York it’s pronounced like Apple’s “A.”But California made it rhyme with “care”(and though I’m no old horse, it stayed that way).When voicemail’s left for me by cell, what’s thereaddressing me, … Continue reading →

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The Words I Said

Posted on November 10, 2022 by sputterpub

The words I said were for my bio book.I never meant to agitate your head.It’s not about your family; don’t brookthe words I said. Our sons are so attractive that we bred,they more than daughters get a second look,but that’s … Continue reading →

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My Glossary

Posted on October 23, 2022 by sputterpub

When someone says they’re proud of what a friend accomplished or the way a soul behaved, I get it, but I more than comprehend — to me the feeling pride suggests they saved or urged or counseled, had some agency, … Continue reading →

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Invite Imagination

Posted on September 20, 2022 by sputterpub

Invite imagination to our chats.The narrative in full is never toldwithout a filter, when remote-controlled. We detail irks so readily, and that’ssuggestive that our ills are manifold.Invite imagination to our chats.The narrative in full is never told. Describing friends and … Continue reading →

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