Category Archives: Neighborhood

New Urbanity

Posted on May 9, 2024 by sputterpub

I rode a bus due west of my address.Arriving early where I had to be,I walked some blocks that used to be a messand took in scenes of nice urbanity.The neighborhood once hosted busyness –industrial a quarter centuryago, it languished … Continue reading →

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Tree B Gone

Posted on April 22, 2024 by sputterpub

I heard the saw before I reached my blockon Saturday, and wondered at the sound.I turned the corner with a little shock,to see big chunks of trunk be brought to ground.I wondered how the tree had looked, leaf-crowned;I never paid … Continue reading →

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The Light at 3

Posted on April 20, 2024 by sputterpub

Across the yard, my neighbor has a lightabove her door, but seldom uses it.She’s student-busy and her time is tight,and she has other ways to come or quit.But something sent her out at 3 last night,and suddenly my place and … Continue reading →

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Ambient Dogs

Posted on April 17, 2024 by sputterpub

Of late there seem to be more dogs around,more water bowls outside the local stores.A multitude of canines can be foundon leashes, even strollers. They’re outdoorson walks, in restaurants, and undergroundon public transit. Most are small in size.But yesterday I … Continue reading →

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A Wash of Love

Posted on March 29, 2024 by sputterpub

I rode BART after sunset Wednesday night,my body tired and my brain adrift,and realized I was feeling quite all right.I gazed at others, and I sensed a liftof love for everyone within my sight.Sensation washed inside me like a gift,and … Continue reading →

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Absence of Trellis

Posted on March 26, 2024 by sputterpub

The wood above the fence of brick was old.Some slats were sprung, and ivy compromisedits verticality and too its hold,but still the trellis partially disguisedthe low part of the house I recognizedas rightful building in a neighbor’s yard.With that in … Continue reading →

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American Red Squirrel

Posted on March 15, 2024 by sputterpub

My daughter photos roadkill that she meets,and maybe that’s why I paused yesterdayto pay attention, walking different streets,to this expired squirrel. But the wayhis body rested, in supine array,exhibited uniqueness to my sight.His chest and belly shone in soft display.I … Continue reading →

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What Now Is

Posted on March 7, 2024 by sputterpub

Of course I love the smell of printed ink.My prized possession always was a book.My favorite job was bookstore clerk, I think,and every move I made for shelves, until –the kids moved out and small became my kink;and independent merchants … Continue reading →

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Like a Traffic Cone

Posted on March 4, 2024 by sputterpub

The crate appeared last week and blocked the path.My neighbor’s name was on it, but insideit was a puzzle. Though I took a bathbefore I left, the box did not subside,and it still towered unidentifieduntil the morning light revealed, unpacked,an … Continue reading →

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Sycamore

Posted on February 29, 2024 by sputterpub

Encountering a bole of sycamore,it stopped me as it often has before.I touch its textured bark, its patterned scalelike camouflage or puzzle pieces, palebeneath and shading gray to green. It’s planeelsewhere, and pollarded in parks, but rangefrom root to upward, … Continue reading →

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