O, Sensations

Rayne Alarcio

heart thumping

with the force

of a thousand

hummingbirds,

eyes wide like

the berth you give

a pariah, O

I am alive

Los Angeles-born Filipino-American poet Rayne Alarcio’s work has appeared in and is forthcoming in two award-winning WriteGirl anthologies, Exposition Review, Red Ogre Review, The Bitchin’ Kitsch, at LAX’s Terminal 7-8, and elsewhere. They are a 2019 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Short Story Medalist. They are currently working towards their B.A. in English from Kalamazoo College. Their favorite foods include Brie cheese, adobo, barbeque, and arroz caldo. They also love cats, despite being allergic to them. Find them @raynealarcio on Twitter, @raynealarcio on Instagram, and at raynealarcio.com.