Inked Prayers

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