Tethered by Rebekah Rahman (17, Washington)*

Dance with me as I keep you tethered under the sycamore tree
Your coffee-soaked lips open wordlessly as you keep me tethered in your bubble of gravity
Behind closed doors and under the sheets, the stars that flicker beneath your eyelids keep you tethered to me
Time crawls and curtains fall as your late-night drawl keeps me tethered in feelings of awe
In the valley of lilies and the field of thorns, grasp me tightly as these tethered ties cushion our fall
You sway passionately for me even in droughts of mystery
Beloved, come dance with me as you keep me tethered forever to your sycamore tree