Tattoo

you were never what I wanted
I'm tattooing resignation on my chest
to remind myself every day
what it is that I'm known for best

and underneath my breast
I'll draw blood and ink of the names
of the list of loves I can't forget
and notch them up as pain I claim

when each next love reads the chart
of loss and regret that drips down from my heart
they'll be inclined to imagine if they'll be next
and if they're smart or know me they'll be correct

what I know I want I will not tattoo
there's no need when in my mind I daily pursue
with progression to overcoming what I can't have
knowing each new blemishing - part of the ode I do