Tattoo

The hooks fell from the wall to the ground
and from dripping bowls floated
cacti so stereotypical
and puddles blossomed pink and yellow

the cheshire cat grinned
maniacal above matchsticks
black and burning on skin
between buttons and buttonholes
and behind vacant irises

my thumb rubbed the scales
of shoulder shimmering dory
such a permanent blunder
and your face met your hand
and your knees met the floor
and you said you didn't like it either