About Eyesight

Posted on February 12, 2021 by sputterpub

Our vision captures objects when they move.
We notice what we’ve lately had in mind.
That leaves a wealth of world to which we’re blind.

If pregnancy or injury’s your groove,
you’ll keep on seeing others of your kind.
Our vision captures objects when they move.
We notice what we’ve lately had in mind.

In dark of night you’re sightless, until you’ve
a target by mobility defined,
or focused by your eyes sideways inclined.
Our vision captures objects when they move.
We notice what we’ve lately had in mind.
That leaves a wealth of world to which we’re blind.

(English Madrigal)

Posted in Cognition, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Plague Thoughts

Posted on February 11, 2021 by sputterpub

Bubonic plague took millions and endured
for centuries, to varying degrees.
Apparently it wasn’t ever cured,
but hygiene and less crowding brought decrease.
World population dropped by near a third,
allowing the survivors bath and breeze.
I wonder: Did the sufferers receive
remedial advice they could believe?

(Ottava Rima)

Posted in Coronaverse, Health, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Avocado Tragicomedy

Posted on February 10, 2021 by sputterpub

A week ago, when buying groceries,
the avocados were too hard and green
to use, but still I purchased to appease
my lust for luncheon salad. I machine
through half a day since house arrest began
and, honestly, I haven’t tired yet.
A heap with cheese and seeds becomes my plan.
I toss it with balsamic vinaigrette.

But last week’s avocados are like rocks.
They haven’t ripened and perhaps will not?
I visited the small store near my block.
They had a few too soft – I groped and bought
the best I found, in hopes it had some taste.
The flesh was perfect! Nothing went to waste.

Posted in Food, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Round 2

Posted on February 9, 2021 by sputterpub

This week we watch a new impeachment show,
although we don’t expect a just result
from citizens enrolled in MAGA cult.

Some facts will stun and shock is sure to grow,
when politicians act so un-adult.
This week we watch a new impeachment show,
although we don’t expect a just result.

The march for equity is steep and slow.
Conspiracy is flung by catapult
of Internet, toward chaos and tumult.
This week we watch a new impeachment show,
although we don’t expect a just result
from citizens enrolled in MAGA cult.

(English Madrigal)

Posted in Civics, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Under the Stump

Posted on February 8, 2021 by sputterpub

The Trump remove is like an autumn leaf.
The green is gone and what remains appears
attractive – varied colors, change motif –
but moribund in fact, as winter nears.

Posted in Civics, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Unwelcome Warmth

Posted on February 7, 2021 by sputterpub

I can’t hold climate change at bay, and sure
my situation could be so much worse.
My habitat is sturdy and secure
(remodel took a chunk out of my purse).
So my complaint is mild – I’d reverse
the forecast trend, away from early warm
that others see as anything but curse.
I yearn for cold; I crave a winter storm.

(Huitain)

Posted in Personality, Poetry, Weather | Tagged | Leave a comment

Ants

Posted on February 6, 2021 by sputterpub

I spent my early childhood back East
(Manhattan-born, Long Island reared to 8),
and sure I have strong memories, not least
the insects Mom would burn to death or bait.
She never minded summer fireflies.
She swatted other bugs and was appalled
whenever ants invaded. She’d devise
a death by seething water. Mom would scald.

Those bugs were huge compared to what beset
our California dwellings. Come the rain
and we have myriads of tiny ants.
We squish them with a fingertip. We set
out traps and Windex-spray. We find no train
or trail to treat. They’re here. I have no chance.

Posted in Critters, Personality, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Don’t Just Say No

Posted on February 5, 2021 by sputterpub

Distrusting where conflicted interests tend,
we say avoid appearance, even though
there’s evidence our characters can wend
through complicated thickets. Stop and Go
are terminals with infinite between.
Black & White are easy on the eyes
compared to every shade of gray that’s seen,
but really, we’re equipped to analyze.

So pack your zero tolerance away.
Put down the “just say no” inanity.
Accept the truth: we’ll always lose that war –
the more we bar, the fewer will obey.
Attend to harm reduction’s sanity
instead of interdicts that all abhor.

Posted in Civics, Coronaverse, Health, Philosophy, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Good Talking

Posted on February 4, 2021 by sputterpub

When knowledge is the favored stimulant,
then conversation’s best if thought-imbued.
The lack makes her impatient, seeming rude.

I heard her sounding harsh and arrogant,
but now I comprehend her attitude.
When knowledge is the favored stimulant,
then conversation’s best if thought-imbued.

To seem a know-it-all she never meant.
She sought to learn but many thought her mood
was smug and vain and ought to be subdued.
When knowledge is the favored stimulant,
then conversation’s best if thought-imbued.
The lack makes her impatient, seeming rude.

(English Madrigal)

Posted in Personality, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Body Talk

Posted on February 3, 2021 by sputterpub

I’m not an expert, but I know a thing
or three about how I exhibit stress.
It dates back to the turbulence the spring
of 1970 – Kent State, the mess
of us invading countries not our own.
I then developed pain bad doctors thought
was gallbladder-induced – they tossed unknown
no remedy. But later I was taught
I’m nervous (though I thought I was a rock –
a better doctor helped me comprehend
that doesn’t mean hysterical). The shock
was learning gas could hurt and never end.
Recalling then, I know in heart and soul:
of late I’m stressing way beyond control.

Posted in Health, Personality, Poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment