Moon at the End of the World

When it all comes crashing down

(& we know that it will for each of us

—it’s only a matter of time)

the moon will remain the moon

encouraging the survivors onward.

It will jumpstart romance in the remainder

by being its luminous gentle self

reflecting back whatever light there is

sparking art, spirit & tenderness.

I could be that moon right now

despite my aching heavy heart

& the resounding clear evidence

that I am a hopeless schmuck.

Why didn’t I emulate the moon earlier

like when I was in junior high school

& first realized that I’d probably

never really figure anything out?

I fantasize about so many puny things,

why not put all my frogs in one river

& become the indescribable song

that pulls all of life on this watery planet up close

to bask in the glow of untouchable

profound, infinite, basic goodness.

Let me be the fun-loving, patient

forgiving moon at the end of the world.