anchors cradle the skin’s edge soft
warding waves with steady whispers firm
the sea carries stories in salted palms
and sailors bloom rituals on their arms
the star sharpens its light against fear
pulling home from the teeth of storms
each needle a compass each mark a map
a plea to the tides layered with ink
protection pressed deeply into their veins
flesh both vulnerable and invincible at once
every curve of design a quiet vow
to return whole despite the ocean’s hunger
these tattoos are not mere art alone
but hopes tied tight in a sailor’s bones
the body a temple built from the sea
offering reverence to its surging mercy