Inked Memories

I read an article today in which a member of my favorite band was talking about a new song, "Rose Tattoo," what it is about & why he wrote it. Something he said reminded me of something I do every-so-often, and it inspired this poem: "Oftentimes, I just catch it out of the corner of my eye and it literally changes my mood when I think of him and what a strong individual he was."

The article:
http://www.npr.org/2013/01/01/168406178/the-dropkick-murphys-a-rose-tattoo-tells-a-life-story?sc=tw&cc=share

All lyrics from "Rose Tattoo" By Dropkick Murphys
http://www.plyrics.com/lyrics/dropkickmurphys/rosetattoo.html
http://www.dropkickmurphys.com/news

This is for dVerse Open Link Night!! Let me know what you think!! :-)  (Seriously, though, I would really appreciate the feedback!!)

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Inked Memories

Towel drying my hair,

back to the mirror,

I look behind me

and catch sight of my

three green and black tattoos.

“This one means the most to me”

The first, a K with a clover

 on top, links me to my brother.

“Stays here for eternity”

“This one’s for my family name”

Further down, another clover,

green & knotted

surrounded by Gaelic:

Máthair Athair Deatháir.

Mother Father Brother.

“With pride I’ll wear it to the grave”

“You’ll always be there with me’

Opposite side of my spine,

a long Celtic knot,

green highlighted a double-helix design.

Surrounded by names

of departed family and friends.

“Even if you’re gone”

“I signed and sealed these words in blood”

I look down at my left thigh

while pulling on my jeans.

Black, red, gray.

Lyrics, lines, a rose

for my favorite band.

“I heard them once, sung in a song”

“I ain’t winning no one over”

I trace the stars and swirl of clovers,

gray, green, purple

with my finger on my right thigh.

This one’s mine alone.

“I wear it just for you”

I smile

as I cover up my ink

with clothes,

and I quietly sing

“I had these memories all around me

So I wouldn’t be alone.”