Vermillion

Vermillion swirls,
Of patterned ink,
That adorn this,
Roughened skin,
Sinking beneath,
To meet what is within,
Flesh, bone, soul?
Fading to brown,
Still the peacock,
Raises his proud head,
Plumage spread,
Across a forearm,
Laid to rest,
Upon the steady heartbeat,
Emanating warmth from your chest.

~Rei Shiori