A Place in the Light

The Aries Moon rises full
across from the Libra Sun.

I have called it kindness
to make myself smaller.
I have mistaken quiet
for keeping the peace.

Venus moves through Scorpio,
asking what my heart protects
when it reaches for yours.

Neptune lays a veil across the light.
I cannot see the whole way forward,
but I can feel where I am standing.

Tonight, I can love you
and still tell the truth.
I can listen
and still have a voice.

Let me make room for us
without disappearing from the room.

—Vanessa Todd