Full Moon in the Park

The full moon caught in the summer leaves
slid slowly into full view. It was ineffable
as darkness pressed against my skin.

I felt a primitive fear of unseen creatures
who stalk their prey at night and this lamp
captured my reason and I longed for a fire
and a cave where I could hunker in awe.

My partner intruded saying,
“Look at that, it’s beautiful.”

The groomed park returned and creatures
became ordinary people meandering
in their safe lives but I could not release
the shadows or the urge to strike a match.