Tattoos were once thought of as marks of the troubled, the degenerate, the troubIe makers. Employers shunned those with tattoos and lies and myths about them were widespread and full of misconceptions, exaggerations, and lies even. Times have changed, like most things based on fiction and lack of knowledge or understanding. And tattoos are more common and accepted than ever, even consider works of art. I have one small tattoo that I got in college on a whim, and though not profound or "serious" in its outward appearance, I do love it. I got it at a time when I was truly discovering myself and my sexuality, where I could finally accept that calling myself a feminist and having submissive sexual tendencies didn't have to be opposing forces. Thank you, college, for that! I'm pondering getting one more, either on my shoulder or lower hip, right on the bone, or on the underside of a breast. Something also small. I'm not a fan of ostentatious tattoos. My body just isn't big enough for that, and it's just not something I find attractive, personally. Plus, I like skin. ;) I want it to be a quote, and I would have gotten one already, except that I'm not sure which one! Of course, Shakespeare comes to mind, and I've narrowed it down But lately, I've been pondering my own quote, one I penned myself. Is that too self-indulgent? I was thinking about "Ruin My Lipstick" to mark and forever remind me that I published my first poetry book, something I never thought I'd have the courage to do, but I'm not sure at 80, I'd be happy with that choice! And then again, why not? It's another turning point in my life, another mark of accomplishment, a growth, a reckoning. “Ruin My Lipstick” is the title poem of the collection, but it has layered meaning for me in many ways. Literally, there is this: “I liked to wear lipstick and nothing else and found myself fascinated with the shape of my lips and the different colors I could make them.” But it’s also very symbolic and figurative. We all have insecurities, and as I was compiling my poems to include, I realized the theme of facade runs through much of my work. In fact, most of my writing does, even my novels, those fronts we all put up in real life: who we are expected to be, which is sometimes in direct competition with WHO we really are. “Ruin My Lipstick,” therefore, is that idea. I look “put together.” Or I look proper. Or I look the part of whatever role I must play in the moment I am in it, but just under the surface, there is always this brimming sexuality or sensuality that is as much a part of me as breathing. And so secretly, I guess the idea of “ruin my lipstick,” puts those two ideas together as one, and allows me to be flawed, to accept those flaws, and to be loved because of them. In “Nude of Her Tights,” I talk about that symbolically and literally. Here’s a bit of it: Insecure. She lifts a leg, one at a time, rolls the nylon up over painted pointed toes, across straight knees, up higher over the spot charged with electricity because of him, and at last rests them around her waist with an elastic snap. She stands, exposed, but for the nude of her tights, and runs her fingers down her body one last time. The legs that were never long enough are suddenly just right. So frankly, perhaps I want this tattoo to be less frivolous, less rebellious really mean something to me, more of a reflection of the person I am now today, not the college student in the beginning of self discovery and rebellion, but the older version of myself that I am happy I am becoming, albeit, slowly.
To get a copy of Ruin My Lipstick, click here: NEW RELEASES
6 Comments
2/15/2018 18:53:51
There's nothing wrong with ruining your lipstick at 80!! A piece in yesterday's paper said that older people are having more sex than other people realise. Something to look forward to!
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R.B.
3/27/2018 14:21:25
Oh! Do share the article!
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Sharlie Chase
2/17/2018 14:44:40
I received my first tattoo about two years "Still I Rise" because of a relationship that I have endured with my husband. Since then, I have received two more: after the death of my father and the other to keep me grounded for my children and grandchildren. Each of my three tattoos have a deep meaning that I have never regretted even though at my age. "Ruin my lipstick" would be a beautiful message to carry with you always.
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R.B.
3/27/2018 14:22:27
I love that quote by Maya Angelou. Good for you! And so nice to see you visit.
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Timothy Mc Nulty
3/6/2018 21:50:38
What a wonderful idea... I've had the title for my poetry book kept secret for almost 20 years ... only a few people know... would be a very token of a job well done... once it is released... Thanks so much for the idea
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R.B.
3/27/2018 14:23:03
When can we expect it, Tim?
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I LOVE to write and read. I particularly enjoy reading erotic romance that has tons of emotion in it. I hope you will ask me questions and share your favorite authors and novels. I welcome all feedback.
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