Torch of Venus narrates the illuminations and tensions of a powerful, karmic relationship whose unfolding context – known obliquely yet felt intensely – is located in the synchronicities of shared lifetimes. Linguistically compressed and emotionally searching, this new sequence has proved a moving experience for audiences at numerous readings. After a long silence, Peter Brennan re-announces himself in a voice that is distinctive, innovatory and assured.
Venus Again
She sits serene
above the loft
conversions opposite
moving unflustered down the weeks
at an unvarying
height.
Not to be mistaken
for an aircraft or
a satellite.
Herself
in truth,
soliciting
no tribute from the street
where her unblinking light
declines
the self
-referring night. Her fragrant
lips encompassing
fulness of desire – as we
in dream of ending
abdicate.
Her eye
unflinching
offers end
-lessness. Watching the mate
who watches close the
one he’d make his own –
dares him to warm
his heart at her cool pale
fire, her cloudy throne.