Loving the Moon

Written by Kaura Grande
Image: “Moon Goddess” by John Dunkelberg
Model: Lyla Moon

I: Our Love Was Safe

Our love was safest when the Jade Rabbit 
came out 
his light illuminating the dark sky.

It was then that we would trace our fingers
letting them linger 
on the napes of necks and tips of lips. 

We could entwine our limbs, a mess of 
arms and legs
a lovers’ embrace guided by the moon.

Only there, in the subtle darkness 
could our love 
hold no limits and our hearts could be one.

II: If You Were the Moon

If you were the moon
I would beg that Jade Rabbit 
to trade places with me 

I would stay forever in the night sky
letting our love shine bright 
for the whole world to see

If you were the moon 
I would settle on 
being a star

I would watch your glorious light 
shine bright, glowing wildly 
from afar

If you were the moon
I would settle for being 
on the ground 

I would blow you a kiss 
each night, arms spread wide 
ready to wrap around

If you were the moon 
I would love all 
of your moods

I would love you at your fullest 
and I would 
loved you when you had been subdued

My love, if you were the moon...

III: A Way to Breathe

When you left a moon-shaped hole 
opened in my stomach and 
spread to my chest 

I had spent years learning to love you
only to find out that that love was 
not enough 

I could never be the Jade Rabbit
I loved you selfishly not selflessly and
used loving you as a way to breathe

IV: Saying Goodbye to the Moon

It was ironic that when you left me 
it was in the brightness of morning 
but the clouds covered the sun

it was like they wanted to give us a chance 
to remain in the dark for a moment’s beat more
before our worlds came crashing down 

I had to say goodbye to my moon
and I didn’t know how
so I bowed my head to your lips 
wrapped my arms around your frame
closed my eyes and when they opened
I looked only to the sun

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