Category Archives: Neighborhood

Divergence

Posted on June 27, 2019 by sputterpub

I’m used to mendicants on streets and trains, exposed to dirty butts and putrid scents, implored in every way to spare some change – in public transit I’ve experience. But I was just accosted by a guy, light black, soft-spoken, … Continue reading →

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Eyebath

Posted on May 20, 2019 by sputterpub

There come some days here, nearly every May, when dirt and branch infect me with surprise. I felt it first this year on Saturday, as if a balm applied to soothe my eyes became effective at the stroke of one. … Continue reading →

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The Flock

Posted on May 6, 2019 by sputterpub

Approaching Rockridge Station from the south at 8 a.m. on Monday, in the cold, a vision raised the corners of my mouth, amused me to a pause, and soon cajoled a chuckle — where the platform spans the street, I … Continue reading →

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Good Neighbors

Posted on December 10, 2018 by sputterpub

Two skunks made babies in my yard last week, assuming that was reproductive sex: two poufs of jet bisected by a streak of white elongating their backs and necks. That’s two months early, says the Internet. Their mating season doesn’t … Continue reading →

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The Other Fog

Posted on September 11, 2018 by sputterpub

Had to fog the house to choke summer’s immigrants – rat fleas and rat mites

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Pests

Posted on September 3, 2018 by sputterpub

My neighbor thought that she was getting bites from fleas, although she doesn’t own a pet. When I got bit my research led to mites from rats beneath the house, who must sublet from all the skunks and possums I … Continue reading →

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Mattress Season

Posted on August 28, 2018 by sputterpub

Mattress season now: university students jettison bad beds.

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Birdbath

Posted on August 20, 2018 by sputterpub

Creek seepage to street: a year-round lagoon for a sleek murder of crows.

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Step Aside

Posted on July 3, 2018 by sputterpub

My daughter told me women step aside. Confronted by opposing walkers, men don’t detour or deflect, like it’s implied they’re Masters of the Sidewalk. I said, “When and where’s this happening? Just who contends behavior never known of me and … Continue reading →

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Jacaranda (An Etude)

Posted on July 2, 2018 by sputterpub

The legend of the Jacaranda tree was told to me one Saturday in June. I loved committing it to memory; by 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, I knew the tale as if it were my own. I swallowed Amazon mythology, … Continue reading →

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