diff --git a/dasy/builtin/functions.py b/dasy/builtin/functions.py
index 31fa1e8..e73296b 100644
--- a/dasy/builtin/functions.py
+++ b/dasy/builtin/functions.py
@@ -7,9 +7,12 @@
 
 from dasy import parser
 
+from hy import repr, read_many
+
 
 def parse_venom(expr):
-    ir = IRnode.from_list((parse_s_exp(expr[1]))[0])
+    ir = IRnode.from_list((parse_s_exp(repr(expr[1])[1:]))[0])
+
     # generate some vyper code to patch in.
     IDENTIFIER = f"__DASY_VENOM_BUILTIN_{parser.next_nodeid()}__"
     insert_code = f"{IDENTIFIER}()"