The Transit of Venus
with a monarch’s voice
Cry, “Havoc!”
When Venus transits hairy torsos, she
Impels much more than sweat in manly hearts.
This goddess is a Viking on a spree
Of killing, gone berserk. Her orbit charts
A path of wounding and creation of
Wrack. Scar tissue is the best that men can
Expect from this visitation by love.
The god of war—that other god of man—
Is colder than this ruthless goddess. Mars
Is cruel as ice. He brings destruction, true,
But most males never have to bear the scars
Of battle. All endure desire’s battue.
Between her legs she whispers, “Havoc!” Chests
Of muscled heroes cede between her breasts.