Janine Petry

The Carpenter’s Letter

It came in the mail—from my dad. A letter, during my college years. You wouldn’t think it was such a big deal; people get letters, right? Except this wasn’t like anything I’d received before.

The Dock

I walked that dock for years; the familiar, sturdy boards beneath my feet. Under and around them, the waves faithfully carried the sun in an endless attempt to impart their gift on the shore. But no walking today…

In the Circle

I live in lines. I start here, and I walk. And I go. Out and away and over there. And I forget where I came from. I trail off, thin and empty…

Summer’s Secret

It’s coming.

At least six inches; at least. A snow storm, they say. On it’s way.

Already a gentle whirlwind dons her glittering gown, dances past the window panes. And all she passes…

Deadline

Deadline presses hard, hard against my mind and thoughts. And so my fingers press harder; harder against the keyboard. Striking words, pushing thoughts, from the inside to the out.

Minutes pass, and hours; the pendulum sways them all away. We pass into the new day together…

Truth Falls Fresh

She put her forehead to the floor and started to sob. Sobbing like only a preschooler can—for something I’d forgotten you could cry about.

She cried for Jesus….

Pearls in My Sandwich

Today, I’m taking a little stroll down memory lane. I’m thinking about lunch…in the school cafeteria.

I avoided eating around other kids, because I had a secret to protect…

Walk With Your Hands

If you ever get the chance to hold the hand of a new-to-walking toddler, take it. When you do, you’ll find that walking, at this stage, has little to do with shuffling the feet, and everything to do with grasping the hand…

Eye-Level Pleasures

I turned around just in time to see him close the toilet lid. Then he stood there, staring silently with satisfaction. Fearing the worst, I quickly picked it back up–to my horror. There they were…