Nothing Against Tattoos

I love everyone

else’s bodies

stay stable.

me, I know not

how they do it.

but I know

up and down

around 200 pounds

mapping. womanhood marks

9 months spent stretching

the body to open

life. for over

more than 80 years.

I see myself living

beautiful.

no distortions

other than those brought by birth,

nursing, holding, loving

the dislocated shoulder of rocking

hugging to sleep. nothing more mystical

than what She has planned. these

are my tattoos. and witness

the chosen embryo

adult. decorating skin, I wish crafted.

push through

to acceptance,

choice was the life lesson.

I gave.