Punch T-shirt Unravel

For 3ww February 20, 2008
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Gina slunk
into the classroom
late again,
balancing a cup
of coffee and a bagel
on top of her books.

Her head
was partially shaved
and her hair was blue.
Piercings adorned
her eyebrows, nose,
and lips.
Her T-shirt was tied
above her midriff
and the sleeves
were rolled up
showcasing the art-
work inked
into her skin.
Even her legs
were covered
with tattoos.

I let her tardiness
slide since I knew
that she was living
alone and working
almost full time.
She’d written an essay
about how she didn’t
get along with her parents,
how her life was unraveling
now that they’d kicked her out.

I noticed a new tattoo:
Japanese calligraphy
and asked her
what it stood for.
Black eyes
punched me
in the heart.
“Family” she replied.