Ink Me Up Poem by Alexander Downie

When it burns I feel alive, the colours never run and your skin can't hide.
Memories of places, faces I've seen, written in ink no crime at this scene.
Bamboo sharp needles or stainless steel, shape my soul and tell me I'm real.
A lovers name carved in to my arm, an indigo mantra to keep me from harm.
As blood runs with ink I caress the pain, a demon on fire tied down with a chain.
A star called Austin in a Celtic state, reminds me of friends where love won't suffer hate.
The heart on my wrist hidden by a watch strap, a LA summer calling, a gift to unwrap.
So Sailor Jerry old friend my skin is calling, I need more pain to keep me from falling.