after Dorianne Laux

There are many names
for this sullied coin,
this brandy-soaked pearl;
Fruit Moon, Lightening Moon,
Moon When All Things Ripen.
We stand by the creek,
watch it float between the black
tips of the pine. Grain Moon,
Full Sturgeon Moon,
Green Corn Moon.
I count my losses in the dark.
Why not call it
Cracked Quartz Moon,
Roll of the Dice Moon,
Hard Luck Moon.
Must we always speak 
of harvest? Crickets throb
in the dusky vines.
A bat flits above our heads.
Oh Watcher, you
who see all that is born
and all that dies
tonight I name you
Switchblade Moon,
Toss in the Towel Moon,
Moon Turning to Sand,
Empty Rice Bowl,
Dust Moon, Salt Moon,
Ash Moon,
Blink of an Eye Moon.