Passion, Like a Full Moon - Caitlin Valdez

National Poetry Month's 3rd Place Winner, 2024

A full moon looms over the horizon.

The pull heady trapped in your orbit.

The buzz of a glancing touch

like the gentle rush of water over smoothed

pebbles prickle your skin.

You wait, caught in the cycle

anticipation, it's own aphrodisiac,

engorged today, wains tomorrow.

It lingers like smoke in your hair

after the fire is doused.