Japanese Tattoos in the Edo
Period
Inked
with mustangs, broncs three-deep
along my shoulder blade: the
modelling
is Japanese, the word irezumi
also
pronounced bunshin, refers to the ink, Nara black
famously morphing blue-green
beneath the skin.
Inserted,
so.
The
character set as written, meaning stab, probably
from
bokukei,
or punishment
by
tattooing, an early form.
Background
clouds, waves, wind bars, images
of the Floating World
inspired by ukiyo-e prints −
these
characters indicate hidden carving, perhaps
along
the thigh, the armpit, also referring to hidden words…
among
the petals of flowers
this character both noun and
verb
employing thrust and
feathering in like measure,
still
others suggestive of decoration, and written
with
the characters for Stay, Remain.
I
am everything you made me.
Inked with mustangs, from
the shoulder blade,
trapezius trembling with
wild manes
tailing to yellow tips in
the spine’s taper, and always
with every stroke: shakki, meaning as the skin
is punctured the sound
the needle makes.
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