Big Jim's Tattoo Parlor

i get Tammy's name

lasered off 

my shoulder.

it's where Bettys name

used to be,

and before that,

Sally. i've been

keeping

this tattoo parlor

in business for years.

who now, big Jim asks me,

holding

the ink pen in the air, while

tugging at

his beard.

write Next, i tell him.

i'm no longer that optimistic.