Summer 1993 clouds rolled over the Muskegon State Park thwarting Goldilocks and my plan for a day at the beach. Being restless nineteen year olds returning to our homes seemed improbable; yet our options were restricted. As we shivered in the suddenly cool air we opted to spend our afternoon…
…getting tattoos.
Yep. Start with a cloudy day add two college students Plus twenty minutes of deliberation and the result is a lifelong ornamentation.
One of our friends wanted us to use her artist however she couldn’t remember the name or location. So we, and our audience of two, drove around lost listening to STP Interstate Love Song finally settling on a random newly opened place.
I called an invited my friend Red (from the phone at the parlor) to join us.
I chose a butterfly underneath my left ankle bone (the second most sensitive spot on a woman’s body to get inked) Goldilocks selected a sun in the same spot whereas Red, perhaps after witnessing my pain, committed to a globe/woman symbol in her calf.
Returning home I proudly show Mom and Gimpy my adornment. Unimpressed is an understatement. My father’s words still ring nearly two decades later.
“You grandfather was in the Navy, he never got a tattoo. I was in the Army and I never got a tattoo. You are a female college student who got one. Your grandmother is rolling over in her grave.”
In the days following the anticipated scabbing and itching proved bothersome for Goldilocks hence she scratched it off resulting in a faint yellow circle. I am not certain about the status of Red’s. My ankle displays a faded purple and green smudge.
Do you have a tattoo? If so, what? If not, why?
Smooches!!
The Queen of Alyssaland
Writing Prompt:
This week, we’d like you to write a piece in which a tattoo figures prominently. Fiction or creative non-fiction. There is a lot to think about: why someone would get one, what they chose, when they got it, what message does the tattoo(s) send?
You will have 300 words with which to play.
Make sure you edit and adhere to the limit.
Then come back Friday and link up!