This month's Moon Prize, the 126th, goes to Susan Isla Tepper's joyous poem "Happiness." May we all and often have such moments.


Happiness

by Susan Isla Tepper


There was one happy day
in that five year stretch
No— there must’ve been others
she argues with herself
but can’t convince
herself beyond that one day,
first day on the job
last to leave, locking the heavy
metal door with a key,
such a responsibility—
she had to practically kneel
on the sidewalk,
to reach where the lock was placed,
a potted red geranium bought
during lunchtime
nestled in the crook of her other arm,
briefcase on the pavement.
A rough position
for a girl wearing a new wide skirt
brushing the dirty sidewalk
yet that one day sticks out
as triumphant.
When she thinks back on happiness.


* * * * *

"Happiness" was first published in The Galway Review (May 29, 2023).

Susan Isla Tepper is a widely published writer in all genres, and the author of twelve books and two stage plays currently in some form of production which changes periodically according to the covid stats. Later this year another Novel titled ‘Hair of a Fallen Angel’ will be published. www.susantepper.com