Shooters

I've always known
I could not keep it—

bluegreen marble 
with a swirling flame 

in its center, speckled
dusts bubbling  

in its pockets. 
And it's never been

mine to trade for another
I think is just like it, only

more brilliant or more
banded or smooth— 

But here we are still eyeing 
the center, trying to knock 

the others out of the ring—
everyone playing for keeps.