In Consideration of Tattoos

In Consideration Of Tattoos

ubiquitous tattoos
illustrated man   illustrated woman
an endemic Bradbury community
declarations of inked impunity

a religious icon  a Hollywood motto
a geographic oasis  an Aegean grotto
a-breast first milk viewed by a child
in hidden places one's fancy beguiled

famous saying or quotes
their import oft remote
for a lifetime tethered
a pastiche in muted measure

in the 50's tattoos were for sailors
famed voyages - brigantines
or vestige numbers on a forearm
from the camps of war's screams

now there's butterflies and dragons
the heart's promises external
pledged for lifetime commitment
engraved - branded - epidermal

i for one have no need to be artfully designed
my body's imperfections for me are just fine
but like Bradbury's tale of a carnival vagrant
venerated tattoos make an honorable statement