Category Archives: Neighborhood

Naked Limbs

Posted on April 24, 2022 by sputterpub

My route to BART is level, scenic, fine.It passes through two neighborhoods of storesand blocks of homes and gardens that alignwith asphalt streets and concrete walks. Outdoorsis lovely all the way, adorned with scoresof trees. I notice one specifically:well-shaped and … Continue reading →

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On Pavement

Posted on March 18, 2022 by sputterpub

It’s just as well I have to leave my room,for trucks are working on the street today.I wouldn’t mind construction or the zoomof chain-saw pruning, but the endless brayof backups, when we haven’t any ruts,incessant safety signals, have a wayof … Continue reading →

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Those Absent Minds

Posted on March 12, 2022 by sputterpub

Those absent minds encountered on the streetare resident in bodies of all kinds,and they are not aware. I cannot greetthose absent minds. As if equipped with plugs in ears and blindsfor eyes, all sense devoted to completeattention on their phones … Continue reading →

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Noise Pollution

Posted on February 2, 2022 by sputterpub

The car alarms are bad, but backup horns are worse.The first would be okay if stopping theft.The latter interrupts attention like a curse,and leaves us home inhabitants bereftand longing for a break from penetrating noise,when no one is endangered by … Continue reading →

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Consuming Frenzy

Posted on December 21, 2021 by sputterpub

For nearly 15 years I’ve walked this way,through blocks of modest housing interspersedwith areas that host a shop array,but never have encountered such a burstof frantic traffic busy like today:eruptions in a frenzy to be first.The citizens won’t longer stay … Continue reading →

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The Ends of Short Stories

Posted on December 19, 2021 by sputterpub

I’ve seen the posters on the power poles,with pleas for missing pets to be returned,with photographs and words that move our souls,suggesting mourning people who have yearnedfor absent love. But seldom have I learnedwhat happened next. Was Rex or Frodo … Continue reading →

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Passive-Aggressive Litter

Posted on November 6, 2021 by sputterpub

Discarded masks are litter now, on streetand sidewalk – mostly paper, pleated, blue.I thought they found by accident concrete,but people tell me they were tossed in fitsof chickenshit frustration. That conceitI can’t embrace. And knotted plastic bagsof poop I notice … Continue reading →

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Where the Boys Are

Posted on November 5, 2021 by sputterpub

I passed them passing Bibles out to folkswho crossed their path to get to class by 10 –a line of old white men. They didn’t coaxreceipt – they didn’t preach or say Amen.They didn’t seem upset to be ignored.I marveled … Continue reading →

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What Went Wrong

Posted on November 3, 2021 by sputterpub

The realtor aimed to cover up some dirt.The stager eyed that side yard and agreed.They figured packing sand there wouldn’t hurt(as if they thought, when thought would just impedetheir superficial sugar-coating need).They hired brawn to cart and tamp the sand.They … Continue reading →

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More On Screens

Posted on August 11, 2021 by sputterpub

The place across the yard sold recently.Protective parents purchased it to housetheir kid who seeks a Cal advanced degree.And based on what I see, these folks espouseall paths to caution, internet-advisedand disconnected from reality,installing tools unneeded – specializedfor suburbs and … Continue reading →

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