TATTOO KISS 1995

TWO GIRLS IN LOVE AND A VISIT IN 1995.

Ariadne got up from bed
and stood naked in front
of the dressing table mirror.

A small tattoo
with the legend KISS THIS
on her left buttock,
showed in the light
of the morning sun
coming through the gap
in the curtains.

Bernice propped up on pillows,
said, why just the left one,
why not both?

I've no idea,
I was pissed at the time,
Ariadne said,
looking over her shoulder
at her lover.

And the tattooist?
What did he think?
Bernice said.

It was a she,
and I can't remember,
what she said,
Ariadne said.

And do I know her?
Bernice said.

I hope not,
Ariadne said,
she's a sadist,
and I’m the only sadist
you're permitted.

Bernice smiled.

Get up you lazy cow,
Ariadne said,
we're got go see
your mother in hospital.

Bernice closed her eyes.

I know, not looking
forward to it,
Dad'll be there
and he hasn't spoken
to me since
I’ve been with you,
Bernice said,
opening her eyes,
recalling her father's
harsh words about Ariadne
and her for being
with that lesbian witch.

Ignore him,
it's your mother you're
going to see,
Ariadne said,
sitting on the side
of the bed and placing
a hand on Bernice’s
naked shoulder.

Easier said than done,
Bernice said,
but he won't want you
being there.

I won't be,
I’ll be in the cafe
drinking coffee
waiting for you.

Bernice felt relief,
sensed a sort of betrayal
on her part,
giving into her father's way
with things,
not having Ariadne there,
keeping them apart.

Ariadne kissed Bernice’s brow
and said, you can kiss my tattoo
if you like,
your lips on my skin,
a bit of sex before we go?

So she did,
kissed the tattoo,
made love,
then off to the hospital
to her mother who was ill,
dreading her father
being there,
angry with her still.