Unable to carve
in stone
Paul accepts
the penetration
of the tattoo artist’s
sharp pens.
Norse Runes
in a band
up and around
the arm shoulder
and back
as if flesh
was stone.
A story.
Her story
mirrored in an odd mix
of ancient
characters
approximating
modern words.
Once he wore
a talisman.
Keltic loops
woven serpentine
that disguised
a pentacle
and heart—
Love is Magic.
Was.
It lay with its twin
in her grave.
Gold for future
robbers and thieves
to excavate.
Also on him
Santa Muerte.
Mythology mix.
Modern adaptation.
Adoption.
Neo creationism
for what the spirit
requires.
Today.
copyright © 2021 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 