Mid-Summer Moonrises

by Layla A. Williams





We spend our days chasing sunsets



Catching hearts like minnows in old fishnets



Footprints of earlier days fade under lilac skies



Until crashing waves swallow them at moonrise



When the sky’s luminous freckles begin to shine



Their dazzling, pupils open wide—and so do mine



It’s then the Atlantic beckons a soft, salty breeze



We bike towards it ‘til it aches our scabbed knees



Ray-ban sunglasses rest on constellated faces



Sand finds its way between untangled laces



Converses pedal down the seaside streets



Undulating waves wait for us to meet



Clammy palms grip rusted bicycle handles



The air smells of Fresh Breeze Yankee candles



But our summer days are now wearing thin



Sun rays no longer bronze our young skin



Clear days of Oreo shakes and cream sodas



Unfortunately nearing their codas

 

Still we ride down to the boat docks



Hearts without any keys or locks



Stretched arms spinning



Sparkly lips grinning



Not thinking



Just living



For we are now



And now is here



At moonrise





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