By The Ink of My Skin

 
I walk the stairs
to the parlor
sitting down
I recline
close my eyes
hear the sound
special wavelengths
magnetize
and dissolve
fading pigment
on my finger
where a promise
was once made
 
one year later
after the hatred
I grieve for you
confused
while I remove
this tattooed
wedding ring
familiar sting
effort made
only in vain
lessons learned
the laser snaps
another pang
but this time
it’s my heart
that cries your name
 
 
this weight
is unexpected
 
 
no regrets
know why I left
but still...
I cared for you
I loved you
so as the bruise
begins to fade
I choose to keep
my memories
of our love
just the same
 
you will remain
chromophore
in my veins
 
 
a stain
that I can taste
 
 
a waste
of bloodletting