the moon is closer
to her window
than it has ever
been, so
she must
open her arms
in ritual embrace
that honors
the ancient ellipses
binding planets & sun
in their movements
together.

Closer,
the moon moves her
suddenly
into rhythm
old as desire uncoiling
the spine,
pulls blood deep
into bone       releases
hot & full
beneath skin

waning now,
the moon must
answer a stronger draw
past sky
&
always
just past touching

moves away,
wraps night
like spangled velvet
around a need answered

but never satisfied

*****I originally wrote this at the lunar perigee in 1992–still not completely happy with it, but I like some of the images.  Does not feel complete somehow.