When Venus saw
our ecstasy
was of a kind
that much surpassed
what she and Cupid
ever thought that mortals
would sustain,
her legendary jealousy
grew dark
and instantly decided
on revenge.
Which came, as I had
presciently anticipated
all along:
you asked
if it was worth
the pain.
That such a question
can be asked . . .
is punishment enough.