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