Poem: The woman who walked

When I was a kid 

there was a woman who walked. 

Not to the store, 

not to work,

she just walked.

 

She was my ballerina,

impossibly slim and revealing

only calves of steel below her skirt.

I loved watching her,

and wondering why she walked.

 

Now I wish I could show her

that I finally understand.

 Because all I want to do is walk.

Not to work,

not to the store,

just walk.

And see what the trees I met yesterday

want to show me today.

Photo by Nathan DeHart

Poem: The Wish

Where does the wish go

when nobody wins
the wishbone?

It is our future,
he said
so let’s both wish for it.
 

We wished

and we pulled,

but the top went flying

behind the fridge.

If we each got the same little piece,

did we each get our wish, 

or did nobody?

Is our future now soaring to new heights?
Or is it laughing at us
from behind the fridge?

Justine Frederiksen

Poem: The Tall Ones

I visit the Tall Ones to feel small.

To hear them laugh at my problems,

and hand them to the sky.

- Justine Frederiksen 

Photo by Nathan DeHart

Poem: I miss that chocolate cake more than you

I knew we were a mistake

when you wouldn’t let me eat
that piece of chocolate cake.

I can still see your face
daring me to make a scene.
I still wonder if the waiter knew
why the plate wasn’t clean.

I still mourn that cake,
and the bites you wasted.
But I’ve never wished for another bite of you
or even remember how you tasted.

–– Justine Frederiksen

Poem: If My Life Were a Campsite

If my life were a campsite,
the dog might be the light.

But my husband is the tent
the campfire
and the hotdogs.

And me?
He says I'm the marshmallows.

Poem: How to Stay Married

Getting married is all about   

Finding that chocolate you like

More than all the others in the box.

But staying married is all about

Picking up that chocolate and brushing it off

Every time it falls on the floor and gets covered in crap. 

- Justine Frederiksen