Category Archives: Language

Books and the Bookstore

Posted on August 31, 2023 by sputterpub

I walked into a bookstore and securedthe lowest-paying job I loved the best.I got to spend my days with dust, immuredamid used books, near maps, at the behestof inattentive managers. I soldthe stuff I craved; I dealt in print with … Continue reading →

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Policy

Posted on August 23, 2023 by sputterpub

She said that’s not the way she picks a book,when I suggested browsing website stacks.Her strident tone of voice was all it tookto redirect my talk. I didn’t waxsarcastic or remind her how she’d lookwith scorn and cringe at similar … Continue reading →

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This Kindle Book

Posted on August 16, 2023 by sputterpub

I want to be engaged but I’m annoyed –bad grammar, sentence fragments, run-ons too.If they were used deliberately, employedin aid of narrative or ringing trueto dialect, supporting point of view,well that would be excuse. But this is bad.The plot’s okay, … Continue reading →

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Wordles

Posted on June 17, 2023 by sputterpub

Designed to pick out patterns as I am,and liking solitary anagram,I’ve noticed some relationships in word,which carried to deliberate are absurd –like backward LIVE is EVIL and (what’s worse)a GOD transmutes to DOG in its reverse.That scrambled HEART is EARTH … Continue reading →

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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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