Category Archives: Lessons

On the Best Teacher

Posted on August 28, 2024 by sputterpub

Without a doubt the teacher I remember most of allwas given like a present in 5th grade.The man was smart, creative, wise, and I can still recallsome ways and means his teaching plan displayed: Like dictionary racing for a wordthat … Continue reading →

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

Adults are Kings

Posted on May 23, 2024 by sputterpub

Adults are kings at first – they have to be.At least until the offspring spread their wingsthe parents are omnipotent – kids seeadults are kings. From birth that keeps the children safe, for thingsare hazardous, the rules securityto guard against … Continue reading →

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

Learning

Posted on May 22, 2024 by sputterpub

Obsessive language study lately fillsup time I used to put to poetry. If I have any bucket list, it wills me to acquire bilinguality. I’ve thrice attempted it half-heartedly — in class, through books, at home or restaurant — but … Continue reading →

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

Bank Walk

Posted on October 5, 2023 by sputterpub

I set up an account online, and failedto fund it with a transfer from within.I tried correction via chat – assailedby stupid prompts, and soon had to beginagain with “press or say.” I never nailedthe answer till I turned to … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons, Money Stuff, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

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