Ekphrasis

Venus Rising

Where the sky grazes a salty sea

“Birth of Venus,” 1904, Venus Anadiomena by Armando Menocal; Public Domain via Picryl

Emerging eagerly
from the sea,
iridescent skin glistening,
fair face upturned
to the sun,
nourishing her senses
with radiant warmth

Bright eyes wide
peeking down alluringly—
as her lover, Adonis,
heralds her ascent with the
bellow of his conch,
adoring cherubs at her feet,
gazing up — longingly
at her, goddess turned flesh

Lush air
caressing her rosy cheeks
her cherry lips pursed
in a half-kiss,
captivating all her admirers’ hearts

She is Venus —

Rising
from the passion
brewing beneath
the icy ocean depths —
limbs lithe, reserve resolute,
carelessly gliding in on bubbling seafoam
atop her ivory-shelled throne