Category Archives: Poetry

Opossum

Posted on June 7, 2011 by sputterpub

   We have lots of critters in Berkeley. I became acquainted with more than I wanted in the 17 years of creekside dwelling, but that was probably good, since they are plentiful around me now. I live in a backyard cottage, … Continue reading →

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Hospital

Posted on June 3, 2011 by sputterpub

     I do not enjoy hospitals. My first experience, when I was 5, was thoroughly painful, traumatic, and life-changing. I’ve written about it a number of times, most recently here, in a post I called “Operation” and published on October … Continue reading →

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egaugnal

Posted on May 31, 2011 by sputterpub

     I was hesitant to post poetry when I started this blog. That was partly because I was impelled to jot down lessons for my grandchildren to hear, but it was also because I didn’t know how good it would … Continue reading →

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Old Glory

Posted on May 27, 2011 by sputterpub

   I had occasion to contemplate our flag a few weeks ago. Conversations occurred about when to fly it and why, and those led to memories. I’m not much into flags (or symbols in general), but I respect the power … Continue reading →

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Furious

Posted on May 24, 2011 by sputterpub

    I was 8 when I got my own big bike, and I treasured that machine like a dear friend. I rode it briefly in New York and then it became my transportation in Chula Vista. I could ride with … Continue reading →

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North Coast

Posted on May 20, 2011 by sputterpub

In fact it was Sea Ranch, and the year was 1997, but the season is now. The cypress branches eddy on the breeze like kelp in ocean currents. Ravens ride the tidal air above wind-twisted trees. Below, the ocean creams … Continue reading →

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Literary Magazine

Posted on May 17, 2011 by sputterpub

   There was a literary magazine at my high school in Larkspur, but it was difficult to have one’s work selected if one wasn’t on the staff, and it was difficult to get on the staff if one was new to … Continue reading →

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Epithalamion

Posted on May 13, 2011 by sputterpub

Here is my favorite acrostic sonnet. I composed it the first week of 2000, and the occasion was my daughter’s marriage. The sonnet form is always a challenge. Trying to say it all in 14 lines, making every syllable count, … Continue reading →

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Bad Poetry

Posted on May 10, 2011 by sputterpub

     Be warned: what follows is a really bad poem. I am posting it partly as encouragement to any young poet: yes, your work will probably be as full of itself as this, at first. This is an example of … Continue reading →

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Consequences

Posted on May 6, 2011 by sputterpub

     I wonder sometimes, how much adult opinions about youth are colored by adult experience instead of youth memory. It seems like I’ve known forever that nostalgia is hogwash: remembering the angst of adolescence as “the carefree, best time in … Continue reading →

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