Skipping

Posted on November 23, 2022 by sputterpub

They had me skip a grade when I was young.
From 3rd to 4th they boosted me mid-year.
They thrust me into higher math among
a group of kids I didn’t know. My sphere
transformed, I raced to learn to multiply
(my 7’s, 8’s and 9’s were rushed too fast).
I leveled up in subjects though, but my
advance in form and manners was outclassed.

My BFF (intelligent but low
in confidence, at least historically),
said “No one skipped me. That’s one way I know
how much more smart you were and are then me.”
Oh that’s not it. My talents were for S.T.E.M.
The faculty was primed to notice them.

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It’s How You Choose

Posted on November 22, 2022 by sputterpub

It’s how you choose and what you juxtapose
that meet the mark of creativity.
It isn’t training or proclivity –
it’s how you choose.

The gear you use, the medium that shows?
They never matter much, but entropy
and affectation lead to travesty.
It’s how you choose.

You might amuse or twist along with those
who pander for some popularity,
but process fails without integrity.
It’s how you choose.

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The Vote Results

Posted on November 21, 2022 by sputterpub

The vote results arriving made me grin.
I marvel at the sign of catapults
from hopelessness to joy, from how to spin
the vote results.

I’ve savored hatred toward the MAGA cults,
but now I’m proud to be American.
We turn in expectation like adults.

We aren’t lost. Perhaps we can begin
in confidence from which good work results.
There’s optimism simmering within
the vote results.

(Roundel)

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No Thanks

Posted on November 20, 2022 by sputterpub

I love my brother. And I’d like to spend
some time with him – we’ve been too long apart.
December on his farm has charm – we tend
to early coffee chat and afternoons
in chill and crispy air. I’d have to spend
ten hours, though, in getting there and back.
I’d have to let the dogs and wives offend.
I’d have to bear the air bed’s lumpy fart.
This Christmas trip I just can’t recommend.

(Magic 9)

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A Smidge of Wisdom

Posted on November 19, 2022 by sputterpub

I’d rather eat some carb than exercise,
but I’m experienced (that’s code for old).
Indulgence now no longer gratifies
the way it did when young, and I don’t bounce
back into health or fitting smaller size.
I need a burn that isn’t gastric juice.
The benefits delay provide arise
from vigor and a pleasure self-controlled.
Regarding this, I may be growing wise.

(Magic 9)

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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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