Skin Illustrations Part Ii
He said, “I’ve tried everything; acid, sandpaper, knife;
I hate these things. I will have them for my entire life.”
You can predict the future by looking at these things.
At night, each of these pictures practically talks and sings.
I worked in a carnival forty-two years ago.
When I broke my leg, was laid up, with no place to go,
I went to get a tattoo somewhere not far from here.
A sign saying “SKIN ILLUSTRATIONS” would then appear.
The artist was an old woman living very near.
She said she could travel through time, and I laughed at her.
She made me look like a fool, and now I know better.
I am covered with these things most people call tattoos
As it turned out, it was I who’d eventually lose.
One minute, she looked young, and the next, she looked quite old.
She returned to her future place, or so I was told.
I’ve been searching for her far and wide for fifty years.
I have the feeling I’ll catch her when she reappears.
When I do see her again, I will kill her right there.
It is her life that I have no intention to spare.
At night, you’ll see all of these images coming to life.
When employers have seen this, it added to my strife.
They would keep me around for a few days, then I’m fired.
It has been this way for so many years, I’m so tired.
There are no images on this spot that’s on my back.
People will see how they die. Having a heart attack,
or any horrible way that will cause their demise.
That is when they discharge me. To me, that’s no surprise.”
I could not believe this man’s incredible story.
However, when it was dark, everything I would see
was coming to life in full colorful animation.
Each image was conveying a prognostication.
I was frightened and wanted to leave, but I could not.
Curiosity made me stay to gaze on each spot.
Based on the short story "The Illustrated Man" by Ray Bradbury
Copyright © Robert Pettit | Year Posted 2011
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment