Venus in tow

​

I will guide you to the ocean
with Venus in tow
as the rocks grow soft
as the leaves jingle like bells

I will show you how to speak with fire
like late-night charmers
as cigarettes are ashed into coffee mugs
as John the Baptist puts on his head

I will clean the earth from your lips
with salt and wine
as the bottles empty themselves
with Venus in tow.