Category Archives: Philosophy

Startle Reflex

Posted on January 20, 2025 by sputterpub

We know self-preservation instinct’s strong –all act reflexively to duck a fail.But I just watched an expert get it wrong,I think, about the way we flailas babies, startled, arms and legs outflung,and, gasping then, delay our next exhale.It’s not just … Continue reading →

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Unjust Deserts

Posted on January 18, 2025 by sputterpub

You think her age means she got something right?I’ve known her for a quarter century,and I say no. And she who sleeps all nightat 68? Her conscience isn’t clear;there’s much a friend can mention to indicta character who knuckles under … Continue reading →

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Predictably Poor

Posted on January 16, 2025 by sputterpub

I knew your choice was wrong. I did my bestto influence without an argument.I tried predicting what you hadn’t guessedwould be the outcome, and no accident.From love, restraining fervor, with intentto gently redirect where you would go,I have to witness … Continue reading →

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Triggering

Posted on January 4, 2025 by sputterpub

I used to justify addictive lapseby focusing on some convenient stress:obnoxious kids; a thankless job perhaps;an obstacle to peace or happiness.The fact is, if I wanted to indulgein too much food, or pot, or nicotine,excuses weren’t hiding. To divulgethe truth, … Continue reading →

Posted in Behavior Modification, Cognition, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged | 2 Comments

White Men on the Spectrum with ADHD

Posted on December 24, 2024 by sputterpub

The problem’s clear: no sooner did they testthan autism could everywhere appear,in crania where no one might have guessed.The problem’s clear. And in that diagnostic atmosphere,with ADHD recently assessed,there suddenly seemed cases far and near. Admittedly our situation’s stressed.It’s blame … Continue reading →

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It Takes Two

Posted on December 22, 2024 by sputterpub

It took me 60 years to comprehendthat if I’m finding irksome, chronically,the deeds or talk of someone I call friend,the bothered person isn’t only me.It’s egotistical when I pretendthat only I can sense. Discrepancytakes two (at least). An interaction’s plus.It’s … Continue reading →

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How to Sabbath

Posted on December 10, 2024 by sputterpub

The spirit of the covenant is neat,though letters in the ancient text are stern.It’s mindfulness that’s sought, in a completedeparture from the daily grind: to learn,to think, to contemplate, to burnthe other end of candlelight, ablazewith comprehension, and returnwith fresh … Continue reading →

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Toiling

Posted on December 5, 2024 by sputterpub

Embracing inconvenience as a modeof transiting life’s paths and avenuesis nothing popular, but paves a roadwith vignettes I would never think to choose.In truth it isn’t work I would unloadbut daily grinding, which produces blues.It’s said a woman’s work is … Continue reading →

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FWIW

Posted on November 16, 2024 by sputterpub

When bird flu first arrived in Western news,I recollect extreme anxiety.A house ago, I entertained the viewsof dire damage to humanity.And maybe living through that episode,embracing impotence and lack of fact,is what prepared me, when the Covid rodeus hard, to … Continue reading →

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Accidental Aphorism

Posted on October 26, 2024 by sputterpub

At table with four strangers, we engagedin pleasant conversation more or less.Amid strong personalities, none wageda war of words or politics. I guessa phrase was coined (by me, I here confess),to put in words a parent’s strategy:“I have their backs … Continue reading →

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