Do not get drunk on wine,
which leads to debauchery.

Drink only puritanical
water from the crystal chalice
and always be on guard –

The rusted silver rim can cut
deceitful lips that whisper;
lies flow over like shifting sand that
cannot bury forever.

Then watch the droplets gasp
because blood doesn’t flow upwards

And one by one
in their own inert moments,
each the unblinking pupil of an albino’s eye,
stare up at me

Then they disperse in silent sighs
and taint the water an alcoholic bruise.