painting by mostafa habibi
you've left your mark
A sailor's not a sailor,
till he's been tattooed.
If I ever tire of it,
I will have to go
under the knife
to have it removed.
X marks the spot
and all that,
thanks to you.
It's not a subtle
simple initial,
but dark, cutthroat
as Mercurochrome.
I've lathered repeatedly,
but it's potent, resistant
to nail polish remover
and Goo Gone.
What does it feel like?
Strangely, as if
it's always been there,
like a birthmark,
some kind of birthright.
I could sail the Atlantic
all in one night.
tess kincaid
December 2011
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