With you I've watched the stars fall.
Ten years ago we stood in your backyard
Giddy with new dark lateness--
We being good girls
More often early to bed.
The night was intoxication enough,
The night, its shower of stars,
Our hopes and secrets and school laughter.
With you I've watched the moon turn red.
"Goofballs" you called us last night
As we headed outdoors with handpainted wineglasses--
Roses and rosebuds--
Filled with white grape juice
(The night being intoxication enough).
We laughed that we knew ourselves
And searched the sky for the moon.
Clouds veiled it, unveiled it, hid it again.
We sat on your neighbor's front step.
"The dragon eats the moon in Vietnam."
You spoke of the serpent biting its tail,
How one day
You might imprint it on your skin.
I watched you shiver.
I brought a towel from my car
And draped it over your shoulders.
We watched the moon.
And now I've seen
Signs the world must end
And I've seen these signs with you.
I will touch my glass to yours
And toast the serpent feeding on itself
Who says more stars must fall
And the moon will pull away
From the hunger of those jaws.
Let us toast the beginning times.