From time to time I post poems I’ve written. (You can find them by scrolling down my sidebar on the right until you get to “Are you looking for a particular TOPIC?” and choosing “Poetry” from the drop-down menu.) Here are some more.

The Treehouse

I pictured a roof and walls and windows,
A literal house built in a tree.

Instead, my dad built a floor
Surrounded by a railing,
Benches built into the perimeter.

Salvaged attic stairs granted us easy access.

My brother and I climbed up with books
And peanut butter sandwiches.
We lived there all summer,
Reading, eating, and pretending.

If it didn’t rain too hard,
The massive willow tree kept us dry
Inside its enveloping branches.

At Home 

It wasn’t my home,
but I felt truly at home there
complete acceptance
no judgment
only love

Kathy’s mother tolerated
what mine would not—
silliness
non-stop giggling
toys and books all over the floor

The house was old and cavernous
a “great room” from early days
double staircases criss-crossed each other
a basement provided secret access when no one was home
it’s gone now

Gone are the parents
who created my best friend

and the friendship is gone, too

Onkel Joachim

I never met you

Mom told me about
Her beloved brother
Violinist and pianist
University student
Bright future ahead

Then Hitler
Turned you into a soldier
On the eastern front
Never to return

The gypsy said
You married a Russian girl
And conduct an orchestra

I hope she’s right

Poems © by Andrea R Huelsenbeck