Many men have tattoos
hearts with banners much like yours
I hear tattoos are hard to get rid of
hanging on arms like old girlfriends
But yours has no flag to wave
is blank
No mother
no rosey, or stella
no fleshy commemorative
I LOVE YOU
to a one night stand
as sailors are known to put
even, on their chests
Just waiting unclaimed
without dedication
(Oh, such a line to tell the girls
I'll put your name there in the morning
And laugh all night in what they gave)
That's not like you
wearing a heart too colorfully
Already your arm must be lighter with it half gone
Again naming love without decoration
David Swoyer
Contents | Mudlark No. 1
Forest Song | The Viewing