Ma I want a tattoo because

When I adorn my body

I become more than just a body

that has withstood the cruelty

of careless men

When I adorn my body

The inked flowers wrap around the scars

And plant over hardened soil

My adornments know exactly where new roots need to be planted

When I adorn my body

It becomes mine again

I can touch it and write

A story of my own becoming

I can stroke my hand without remembering

The pens of unwanted visitors

When I adorn my body

The ink speaks

It reassures me that I’m not missing any pieces

I’m just scattered like a constellation

And it aligns my stars

so I can feel the swing of my hips again when I dance

And accept the wind on my skin when I rest

When I adorn my body

I carve myself into permanence

Drawing life onto my veins

creating a pulse on my chest

So when it comes time that I leave my body

It will still know me

When I adorn my body

I transform my body

I paint over the shame with understanding

Soothe my rage with recognition

And my body and I

We evolve as one

Can you accept that?