Dye the Rumor in Beet Juice

the gourd ladle
cradle for her practiced tongue
blackberry brandy amish cough syrup
honey lemon and peppermint schnapps
coating lips dye the rumor in beet juice
so it sets in she knows I'm naturally hung
she spreads it on canvas antler in deep

let it seep
so it's as red as
strawberry spinach scandal
what the copper hair knows intrigues her silent
reminds her of her own fiery side of the garden
I understand turnips and winter garlic collide with
ancient misunderstanding and blankets warm inner peace
in my sack of cherrystones her candle

choices unfulfilled
eyeliner draws scandal at midlife
copper sets her right shiny as moonlight
muses have their hands full and they know
what's best for her and so do you dye the rumor
in beet juice

Copyright Ms. Sage Sweetwater, Celebrity firebrand lesbian novelist