Two Ways of Taking Up Space

1
Faceless in his pressure suit
and helmet, he hangs perpetually
between, privileged to witness
our planet from outside
the barrier of cloud that keeps us
from knowing where we stand.
So small against the dark
immensity—the planet
and its miniscule inhabitant,
first man to see
how vulnerable we are.

2
Closer to home, more metaphorical,
the perfect embodiment of trauma—
tiny figure on the perimeter.
The mask and suit protect
yet stifle her—that’s the way
she feels whenever
the cold mood takes her:
unmoored above the bright
world that goes on without her,
as it always has.