a second before a brush with that buzzing needle
and the world stands still for that one perfect moment
my heart beats faster, pupils dilate
and a heady sigh escapes my lips
as ink and blood mingle and mix
to form new shapes brought alive
awash in red and black
chemical release as endorphins flow my mind goes blank not a thought for a penny nor a care for the world
and my soul rests easy with one more
story written out on my skin