If i were a tattoo

An older piece to kick off the weekend. A personal favorite inspired by the many marks we all carry, on our bodies and in our hearts. Please critique and comment as you like.



If I were a tattoo I would be a pink butterfly with green dots . I would fly around her ankle, secretly and gracefully. Beating my wings to cool her feet on hot summer days. To brush off the sand on long beach walks on the warm west coast. In winter I would be hidden under wool socks, but only to burst from my cocoon in spring where I would be accompanied by ankle bands toe rings and flirtatious flip flops. Attracting attention from all the boys.

If I were a tattoo I would be a forgotten name etched forever on his arm after a hazy weekend in Vegas. I would sit high up on his bicep . Every morning he would speak her name, loose it from his lips regretfully, in anguish, wondering who she is. He would look for her face in every crowd. And when he hears her name being called out he would wonder - "what if?"

If I were a tattoo I would be a golden dragon twisting around her neck like jewelry. I would watch the world pass by from her shoulder. Protecting her from being hurt. Set out on her mantle of flesh as a beacon. Calling out to random strangers at bars who offer her drinks she politely accepts rejectingly. I would be there for her always protecting her secrets and collecting her running tears. Comforting her , watching with her, the world pass her by like a discarded half-empty pen.

If I were a tattoo I would be a beating heart with barbed wire coiled around it, beads of blood dripping down. I would bump and swagger upon his chest in pain. The wire protecting him from his fears and doubts. Never letting him be hurt again. I would remind him, restrain him, bind him forever to some forgotten contract.

If I were a tattoo I would be a silver and gold ring wrapping around his and her fingers. I would look like spun silver and silk gold, holding together soul mates. I would never fall off or be forgotten. I would be remembered always cherished always. My ink would never fade.