Karen Quickley, formerly known as Schnurstein, resides in northern Indiana where she contributes as an editor for Bi Women Quarterly. Her poetry, celebrated for its depth and originality, has been featured in a variety of esteemed publications including Steel Jackdaw, New Feathers Anthology, and The Dawn Review. Karen’s work explores themes of identity, love, and nature, resonating with a diverse audience. In addition to her editorial role, she actively shares her literary journey and new works on her blog at karenquickley.net and her newsletter at apoetinlove.substack.com. Through these platforms, she connects with readers and fellow poets, fostering a vibrant literary community.

Birthday

After Marc Chagall’s painting, “The Birthday”

What do you do—
when there’s no man
jumping backwards
off your bed—
pausing mid-air
to reach around
and kiss you
as you’re crossing
the room for a vase?

There’s cake to be cut
in this figment—
a cup, and
a feeling of being
upstairs.

But here,
there’s no man
in a green jumper
with black hair
and Derby
shoes.

It’s February.
And this year it’s
different:

no hunger
for the trappings—
just one
for a target
of one’s affections.

Love—
remaining in its
cavity—
will it grow rancid?
Can there be
a stagnation
of one’s heart?

And where
is this Love—that
isn’t?