Tattoo

Rite of passage.
Milestone.
Marker.
Each piece bearing a story of its own.
An idea, a feeling, an event, a sorrow
Swirling in your brain,
Doodles on paper
Research, recognition.
When something sparks your soul.
Vibrating needles
Dipped into pots of rainbow
Invasive
Pain elevated
Into rapture,
Ecstasy.
As it etches the image,
The art
Under your skin.
Long and burning,
Gloved hands with something soothing,
To take away the bite and blood.
Rose on back,
My path to womanhood.
Dragon tamed on arm.
Protector and Power of Woman,
Soothing the Beast.
Kanji of "Mother" on back of neck,
My heart, their colors singing within the image.
Circle complete.