Stories Tattooed On Our Arms

[71degrees]

Each time the glint catches the eye;
a single blade silver and dry.
A rhythm deep on the inside
beating loud and concealing cries.
Metal winks again and again.
For peace of mind, the skin turns red.

Masked by a laugh so full and pure,
the rapids of emotions soar.
Forgotten freedom locked up, chained.
During weakness, the sadness reigned.
It’s lucky though, to have a friend
hoping to help temptation end.

Some comfort radiates between
bodies, with eyes glaring so keen.
Two hands clasped with the fingers tied,
never concealing when they lied.
A gentle touch and whispered cry
offers insight to answer why.

Remember, words can only sting
a wound left open from past pain,
bruises created from a hand
make better conversations, and
the scars that once sounded alarms
are stories tattooed on our arms.

I don't mind the fragmented thoughts. Tattoos are fragments and maybe that's what you had in mind for presentation. That being said, care…much care...must be taken as you guide the reader through these fragments with punctuation. I think the first stanza is a good example. thought + Semi-colon + fragment + period makes no sense. It gets a bit better deeper into the poem (but even stanza two with FOUR periods) makes me start/stop so much, I find myself almost stuttering.

After all this, the gist of the poem is wonderful. The imagery of the stories of the lives of these two people "tattooed" on their arms is beautiful. There's a book here. Would like to see more. Good luck w/this…it's a wonderful idea.