As a child, I always felt safest
holding the hands of tattooed people.
Their feelings were worn on their skin,
their smiles were always genuine,
their words came from deep within
their soul, honest and true,
and their acceptance of themselves
showed me it was beautiful
to be authentically you.

I have come to realize
that I have become the person I looked up to
since my vulnerable, earliest days.
Now, whenever I feel alone or afraid
I hold my own hand
and feel safe again