Submitted by Karen Sandberg
She has it. In her hands.
How did it slip from mine?
I’m unaware of my forfeit, fooled that my hands
look heavy with the future when
they are heavy with loss.
Her confidence entrances me. She strides
ahead, graceful, the master of her galaxy.
The elegant turn of her head encompasses me.
Her wealth is forward, mine securely in my life already lived.
We meet, she holding future,
me holding past, to converse, to laugh,
to verify holes in the universe, three AM fears, and the stunning
design of that cloud in the glory of this afternoon.
About the Poet
Karen lives and writes in Minnesota. She is a member of Penchant/Northfield Women Poets, has studied with Jericho Brown, Joan Kane, Thomas R. Smith, and has been published in literary journals such as Main St. Rag, Freshwater Literary Journal.
Painting: Casper David Friedrich – Man and Woman Contemplating the Moon
Vita Brevis Press. 
This is a lovely poem. When I read it the second time, all I could think of was that a.mother was talking about her daughter leaving the nest. Well done Karen. A wonderful choice Brian!
I enjoyed the rhythm of the poem and the contrasts you established between the two, with this strong line capturing my imagination, and “She strides
ahead, graceful, the master of her galaxy.”