Tattoo
The tattoo needle pierces my skin
a thousand swarming wasps
a million fire ants
I wince yet lean into the pain
the artist asks if im okay
I wonder why I find solace in painful things
A dagger through the chest
The ones you love never comming back
I nod and grit my teeth
I’m okay
I’m okay
I’m okay
When she’s finished
she asks me what I think
staring into the reflection of painful moments
I smile
it’s perfect