Category Archives: Language

Disrespect (HA 79 Huitain)

Posted on June 4, 2020 by sputterpub

I understand your feelings have been hurt, but I don’t think there’s anyone to blame. I see you tremble and I hear you blurt of disrespect. I think another name pertains, for carelessness is not the same – in “disrespect” … Continue reading →

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Attempted Relaxation (HA 51 Italian Sonnet)

Posted on May 7, 2020 by sputterpub

We needn’t agitate about the news, when all we know for sure is we don’t know. Reportage seeks no depth; it tries to flow at us in summaries. For any who’s experienced with something papers choose to tell or anchors … Continue reading →

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House Arrest 33 (Self-Command)

Posted on April 19, 2020 by sputterpub

Two hundred years ago, an English book employed vocabulary obsolete these days, or rare at least – we seldom look askance, or box some ears, or take conceit to mean idea – I’m sure you understand. I came on this … Continue reading →

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House Arrest 25 (The Bop)

Posted on April 11, 2020 by sputterpub

When I was young my mom preferred to say “Because I told you so,” to satisfy my quest for information. She would pay me scant attention in response to Why. My teachers didn’t shut me down that way, but most … Continue reading →

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Appropriate

Posted on February 7, 2020 by sputterpub

As inappropriate as PJ pants instead of trousers, rancor, public sex, I just as often well-behave by chance as by my own decision. Mom expects passivity and sweetness. Even Dad advises me to shush and not engage. I listen but … Continue reading →

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Them/Us

Posted on February 3, 2020 by sputterpub

Non-binary, my daughter said to me, reporting on her first-born’s recent speech. They want the neuter plural pronoun – he or she will hurt their feelings. Now I reach for comprehension while I try to frame my sentences so noun … Continue reading →

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Honestly

Posted on December 5, 2019 by sputterpub

I wasn’t that surprised when I first heard some athletes took some drugs to better build up muscles and performance. It’s absurd assuming fair behavior in a field as wide as wealth, as vast as viral fame. The aspect that … Continue reading →

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Lies

Posted on July 26, 2018 by sputterpub

I didn’t get it when I was a kid. I still don’t understand or recognize a culture that insists I act as bid by portions of a book that sanctifies barbarity, selectively ignored, composed by no one holy to advise, … Continue reading →

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Tropes

Posted on April 19, 2018 by sputterpub

My brother moved his office from SF to Oakland – he reiterates the claim that he appreciates the jewel he left more now. But I know him – his words are lame. My sister says she’s into family because she … Continue reading →

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How

Posted on April 3, 2018 by sputterpub

I wondered: what’s the etymology of irony and iron? Do they share a common root, or trick disparity? I learned that they’re an unrelated pair. They sound alike coincidentally, and by the way, that’s not a synonym: coincident’ly’s not ironic’ly. … Continue reading →

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