Inked

Painted skin to etch begin
confide our stories deep,
while through the gloried heart impart
as kissing needles creep.
The rushing tide told disbelief
that pain repays and stays relief
to run the race embraced motif
from hurt to joy to art to grief.
The map by which the story's told
unfold our treasure true
Every laugh or tear or fear
these wounding marks imbue.
Worn with pride not bought to hide
or bind to some transgression
inner etchings looking out
the ink to put the flesh in.