Queens of the Forest

By Melissa Kalinowski

When they rise from beds 

in peace

with pink slippers and pearly diadems,

we fall for them.

Still, some fall into greed 

for land and take beauty captive.

What spirits survive unnatural custody?

Not me. Not you. It’s the same 

for the wild queens, too. They’ll die

without allies. 

© 2023 Melissa Kalinowski. All rights reserved.