Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Tattoo Me


Regarde mon beau tattoo, originally uploaded by Benoit.P.



Sailors had ink beneath their skin
so loved ones would recognize
their bloated sea torn bodies
long after they had drowned.

Nazis used ink to identify
their prisoners, grotesque numbers
meant to help them forget
Jews were human, too.

Tribal groups choose ink
for magical qualities,
believing in the power
of protection over charm.

Status, rank, devotion,
fertility, love, punishment.
Cosmetic, sentimental.
Amulets and talismans.

I want a tattoo for bravery;
a clear message to prove
that my invisible ink
has finally been erased.

7 comments:

kristen said...

have you made your appointment yet?

Amy said...

wonderful imagery.

I want another tattoo. Want to go together? ;)

Susan Tuttle said...

that's some tattoo!

Steph said...

I want one too... I was thinking a phoenix or a bird. :)

Jennifer said...

what tattoo do you want and where? I was thinking of getting another one.

Amy said...

K: no appointment yet, but i've been checking out NY Adorned and a few other spots in NYC.

It's going to be a hawk, on my wrist. I want to be able to see it all the time. Pixie says it best about the hawk: the messenger who awakens our consciousness and reminds us to use our intiution. Heart medicine, guiding me when I lose my way, calling me back to my truth.

Amy and Jen: what do you have and where?

Jamie said...

Not sure what happened to my last comment...

A Hawk! I love that!
I can't wait to see!