Suddenly Idle

Posted on November 18, 2022 by sputterpub

The family I visit twice a week,
and overnight with Fridays, as a rule,
announced a little trip. They’re off to seek
some fun – they’re taking time from work and school.
That means I’ve no commute across the bay,
no toddler tax upon my energy,
no chapter books to read aloud, no play
with Lego, Portal calls, or toy debris.

I’m well enough to stay awake, and all
the errands on my list are done, for now.
I’ve leisure to enjoy the winds of fall,
to occupy myself, remember how
I want to spend some time with nothing due.
I’m up for this and laughing that it’s new.

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Ants on White Tile

Posted on November 17, 2022 by sputterpub

Our California ants are not a threat.
They’re tiny and don’t bite or bring disease,
but everywhere I live they seem to get
inside the walls. Although we never freeze,
we chill in fall to 45 degrees,
and welcome rain that comes this time of year.
But that’s when ants send scouts I finger-squeeze,
when moving specks against white tile appear.

(Huitain)

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Erring

Posted on November 16, 2022 by sputterpub

First I wrote with ink that smeared.
Next I got the sample wet.
Rattled then, I poked instead of scraped.
Looking back, my work appeared
incorrect as it could get.
Striking out, I hope my errs escaped.

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Separate But Equal

Posted on November 15, 2022 by sputterpub

When I complain about this H.O.A.
to friends and members of my family
who live in houses, they will often say
how glad they are they’re dwelling separately.
I counter that the price I willing pay
for my location comes with density
(but I’ve the garden cottage, and don’t share
in common walls and lines that need repair).

(Ottava Rima)

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Medical Follow-Up

Posted on November 14, 2022 by sputterpub

I’m trying for compliance, but my call
to book that screening test was put on hold.
I bided till invited, after all
of 14 minutes. Then the robot told
me leave a message and I’ll be enrolled
in patient lists they missed, and I will hear
from somebody tomorrow. I won’t scold –
I’m in no haste to waste my time, my dear.

(Huitain)

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Mothering a Grownup

Posted on November 13, 2022 by sputterpub

I didn’t ask him if he got the job.
I knew he’d tell me when the news was good.
And if it wasn’t, then I wouldn’t rob
him of his cheerful mood. My mother would,
and she’d excuse her question. She would fob
it off as interest, as if motherhood
were pushy brusque intrusion, when in fact
it’s clear and present rooting, wrapped in tact.

(Ottava Rima)

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Residence Presence

Posted on November 12, 2022 by sputterpub

We had a lovely visit, but I long
to be at home enjoying overcast.
I didn’t eat enough – my hunger’s strong –
and then I woke too early. I will fast
another 90 minutes, till I’m past
the trolley, train, and bus I need to ride.
I got a lot of love and no one sassed.
Now all I want is time where I reside.

(Huitain)

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Book List

Posted on November 11, 2022 by sputterpub

My doctor recommended Elderhood.
I purchased it and started right away.
So far (at 10%) it’s very good –
well-written and informative, I say.
It mentions yet another book I may
be reading soon, for good of brain and bod.
I never heard of it till yesterday
at Doña, when you praised The House of God.

(Huitain)

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The Words I Said

Posted on November 10, 2022 by sputterpub

The words I said were for my bio book.
I never meant to agitate your head.
It’s not about your family; don’t brook
the words I said.

Our sons are so attractive that we bred,
they more than daughters get a second look,
but that’s about my mom and me, instead

of you and yours. Don’t let your ego cook
a paragraph to seethe and further spread.
I’m sorry that your selfishness mistook
the words I said.

(Roundel)

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Choosing

Posted on November 9, 2022 by sputterpub

I ride my stationary bike a lot.
It used to be my daily exercise,
but lately it’s like thrice a week. I’ve got
home yoga now and walking’s still my mode
of transportation. Asking what I bought
or recommend for you, I can’t reply.
The answer is complex. The issue’s fraught
with options – be prepared for a surprise.
A sports equipment store will gear your thought.

(Magic 9)

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