Category Archives: Lessons

Photo Lessons

Posted on February 19, 2023 by sputterpub

My dad and brother did photography;my daughter took it up before 15.A crowded field, there wasn’t space for me –I stuck with rhyme and meter for my screen.I sketched and painted too. I honed my sight,and though I liked their … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Lessons, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Fourth Time

Posted on December 28, 2022 by sputterpub

I kind of like it when I’m incorrect.That path bisects a place where I can learn.Initially, we neither could connectbut recently, when I had to returnto meet you as a client, I at firstdisdained your arrogance just as before,abhorred your … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Lessons, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Biddy and the Bitch

Posted on December 18, 2022 by sputterpub

It’s rainy. I don’t want to make a fuss.I’m fit but old and home is beckoning.I try to exit (rear door) from the bus –“Excuse me” doesn’t budge youth reckoningI’ll edge aside – I get to hear her cusswhile boarding, … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Lessons, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Hour Hand

Posted on December 16, 2022 by sputterpub

We know the clock face features moving hands,but we can’t watch the motion of the onefor hours. Everybody understandsit moves, yet eyes do not perceive its run.In growing up with analog, our frameof reference thus includes the metaphorthat shift occurs … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Lessons, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Gulliver and the Antinatalists

Posted on April 20, 2022 by sputterpub

My bachelor’s thesis, 50 years ago,compared three misanthropes in English lit.I remet Fielding’s hermit, got to knowGreek Timon, and read Gulliver’s emit.The first and second came to hate their kindwhen fortune failed and former friends forsook,but Swift’s creation had his … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Bar Room Rule

Posted on January 23, 2022 by sputterpub

I drank too much when I was 28and circumstances moved me, after work,to meet a friend, to talk and celebrateor air complaints about my boss – a jerk –and other stressors bound to nag or irk.She taught me – “Be … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Teaching Fail

Posted on December 14, 2021 by sputterpub

I don’t recall exact atrocities,but I remember hating English classmost years of secondary school. The keysto wit and eloquence were not dispensed.The teachers made us write down summariesand our reactions – called them book reports.Diverting me from plots and mysteriesto … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons, Poetry, School | Tagged | Leave a comment

No News

Posted on December 4, 2021 by sputterpub

As soon as we swore in the very worstof presidents, I started gulping news.I watched the talking heads and faces firstand soon expanded reading, seeking cluesand understanding. Knowing we’re self-curseddid little to assuage, and truth abusedcompounded tragedy. Of late I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Civics, Lessons, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Romper Room

Posted on December 2, 2021 by sputterpub

I hated Romper Room when I was young.Miss Nancy was as corny as a nurse –so patronizing, with her baby tongue.And later, Dick & Jane were even worse.I saw through all the hand-on-kneecap bends.I never fell for ads on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Logic Problem

Posted on November 9, 2021 by sputterpub

“They need to read more Plato,” someone said,but he’s a teacher bound to miss the mark,who thinks that only logic fills the head,and only reason penetrates the dark.I wish he were correct. I once agreed,but I cannot ignore experience.For while … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment