For some
the process
of receiving
a tattoo
is a path
to peace
through pain
The ink
and image
left behind
are only
artifacts
of the journey
Recalling now
the pilgrimages
and trials of
saints
Contemplating
their relics and
the cathedrals
raised around
those finger bones
those locks of hair
All that is
as human
as the etching of
pictures
of carp
and skulls
and flame
and names
we bear
on our arms
Dark Matter 
April 7th, 2014 at 3:09 pm
That’s an unexpected perspective for me. Fascinating!
April 7th, 2014 at 4:05 pm
Thank you…I think. (Seriously, thank you.)