Tattoo

It swims across

the milky river of her spine,

lifts its large snout

in aristocratic dignity.

Ruby eyes glare

at the conquerors that are willing

to push past the fabric of her shirt.

Her toes seem to hover

over the scuffed dance floor,

her guardian sweating

under its cotton prison.

It flexes when she does,

emerald scales catching the dim light,

tail coiled around a willowy waist.

A silent roar rings through the still air

as the lowers its head

onto her shoulder

and melts into her sink.