Poem For February's Full Hunger Moon

On this track I read my poem, "Hunger Moon," from my book Nest of Matches. While the full moons have names from a variety of cultures around the world, "Hunger Moon," comes from the Cherokee tribe in North America. As you listen, consider what you would name this full moon based on your weather, your landscape, your experience of this time and place. Maybe write your own poem, inspired by the name you invent.

Transcript

Hunger Moon As if the moon knew anything about hunger,

Filling itself each month,

Fat and.

As if the moon knew anything about happiness,

Stomach,

Sans appetite,

Plump and gleaming.

As if the moon knew anything about earth,

As if its glare snared memories,

As if it witnessed.

As if the moon knew anything.

Marry me,

Moon,

Marry me.

Teach me how to live with such lack,

How not to hunger,

Never thirst.

Teach me patience and frugality,

To never procrastinate,

Never barter or curse,

And I'll teach you about trees,

How they cradle snow.

I'll read every poem that praises you until you're queasy with compliments,

Bored of being a god,

A rock,

A launchpad,

A gem.

I know you'll divorce me.

You who doesn't know a single thing,

Knows to leave anyone repeating your name as if it were a bell,

A crumpled sock,

A key,

A lock,

An eye,

A sculpture,

A dot,

Dot,

Dot.