Ink

Tattoo me in gentian violet
From these fingers to these toes.
Teach me something secret
Something no one else can know.

Sleeve these arms in cherry blossoms,
Petals falling to the floor,
And silent wings aflutter
Always seeking something more.

Smooth this back with dancing Shiva
As her mighty arms destroy,
Then recreate the universe
Into one of boundless joy.

Stamp this belly with a comic face.
Make me laugh all day and night.
Keep me from ever noticing
The impending terror and fright.

Shroud these legs in lines of poetry;
Encircle calves, then knees and thighs
In the words of Cummings and Emily
To walk in beauty all of my days.

- Copyright Dawn Fable June 2011