Category Archives: Neighborhood

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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Top o’ the Walk

Posted on February 19, 2024 by sputterpub

With all the ways to amble to the store,the prettiest includes a two-block hill.It isn’t steep – my vigor can endureit, but most days I’d rather skip it. Still,the view is worth the effort, and what’s more,I’ll bus home laden … Continue reading →

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Drainage

Posted on February 15, 2024 by sputterpub

I didn’t measure and I don’t have stats,but we’ve absorbed a spate of rain this year.If quantity is up to last year, that’ssignificant. So far the bricks appearless damp where they abut the floor, and nearthe hearth the mortar doesn’t … Continue reading →

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Snucco

Posted on February 8, 2024 by sputterpub

They snuck the stucco on one day last week.I must have been away from home – I heardno indication, saw no skilled technique.It’s been a while since I’ve penned a wordabout the houses blocking my obliqueperspective, for this is at … Continue reading →

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Scourge Surge

Posted on January 3, 2024 by sputterpub

I’ve co-existed with the critters here –the garden is their home as much as mine –and wasn’t overbothered till this year,when building on my eastern boundary line,and now the north, has changed the biosphere.Too many skunks no longer seem benign.I’ll … Continue reading →

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The Oakland Nod

Posted on December 29, 2023 by sputterpub

I’ve lived in these parts all my adult years,enjoying weather and topography,admiring how my neighborhood appears,inhaling bay-washed air. Diversityabounds and has accustomed me to seethe postures in the streets, the manner howthe Oakland nod goes up initially –a greeting that … Continue reading →

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Bracketing

Posted on December 23, 2023 by sputterpub

As when a high-rise building is allowedto stand above, behind, and at each sideof some historic storefront, there’s a crowdof new construction bordering my prideand joy, the haven where I love to bide.My cottage has existed 80 yearswithout a neighbor. … Continue reading →

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More Walls

Posted on December 15, 2023 by sputterpub

No sooner does the eastern building rise,than framing to the north of me begins.At least this one will not assault my eyes –it happens that I’m windowless that way.I’m hopeful neighbor noise won’t agonize(the owners seek no tenants for the … Continue reading →

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Overgrowth

Posted on November 28, 2023 by sputterpub

Though common palms are tufted more than limbed,they constitute a threat if they ignite.Dead fronds that hang like bangs should all be trimmedbefore a spark or flame sets them alight.Exploding like a fireball’s a sightnobody wants to witness, for the … Continue reading →

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Market Musing

Posted on November 27, 2023 by sputterpub

I walked 2,000 steps toward south and east,to buy some groceries that filled my pack.I looked at clouds and with the weight increased,I waited for a bus to take me back.I saw the clouds hint drizzle’d come at least.I noted … Continue reading →

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