Tattoo For Dad

The hum of the small machine;
The whine of the rapid vibration
Its tiny parts
Moving erratically inside

The carefully chosen needle,
Diving swiftly into my skin
To the depth required to imprint
Itself permanently

We’re on a pale blue now
Painting a smooth lake
Next the orange then yellow
Until a calm, gentle
Dusk sky from a spring days past

Below it all, we roll
A simple banner across,
Place dad’s name
Delicately inside,
Below the image he still holds dear.

Back into the moment
I return.
I rise to admire
And all my love
A canvas forever across my shoulder

27 years of love and patience
Still quietly showing
Your love.
This is my way
To show him mine in return.