The twisting form of the snake curls against herself, the bright, vibrant underbody and striking blue streak across her side warning all who may approach of the deadly nature of her bite. She is small and thin, comparable to a harmless snake found in your garden. It is only during danger that she will lift her head and flash her tail as a warning. Most will not approach. With venom glands making up twenty-five percent of her body and no known antidote for her unique concoction of violence, the lift of her vibrant tail is enough to deter most. 

    Her two heads watch as strangers approach. A golden halo twisted into the shape of a crown hovers above each of her skulls as she twists and curls across a bed of white cherry blossoms. She flicks her tongue into the air, tasting the scent upon the wind, and peers up at the one she is tethered to. By love, by duty, by a combination of both. A reminder. 

    She bears a resemblance that is not too surprising: the snake claims heritage from Medusa. The snake postures that Medusa’s head was often used by women in the times of that age as an indication of safe houses for women. For, she insists, the story of Medusa is not that of a curse, but of a blessing in disguise. Of how a woman, even a god, is subjected to the violence and rules of men, and that she blessed her devoted with a gift that would keep her safe from the brutalization of men. And while Medusa was eventually killed by the same gods who sought her death before, this snake will not allow the same. 

    The snake brings with her cherry blossoms everywhere she goes, curled against her body, to tell all those that peer closely that life is beautiful and short. To remind the one she is bound to of the strength and boastfulness of a full bloom, and the fragility of such an act. And finally, she wears the crowns because, she states, she is her own holy body.

    [A fun little writerly thing I wrote up about the tattoo I’m getting today! Designed by the amazing Crow Lee S! I’ll be posting pictures of the finished product soon. My tattoo’s meaning is as follows:

    The blue coral snake: A small, deadly snake that has no known cure for her venom. While she has killed humans before, her venom may also hold a cure for chronic pain.

    The two heads: Medusa’s story is one of tragedy, but for many women, it is seen as one where women sought to protect women. How Medusa was capable of protecting herself with a gift everyone saw as a curse.

    The cherry blossoms: A link to the beautiful boastfulness of life, but the fragility of it.

    The halo crowns: A reminder that I am my own holy body.

    The tattoo is a reminder to me that I am capable of protecting myself, and that I have a right to be my own safe place. It is a reminder that even small, I am strong. It reminds me that life is short and fragile but amazing, and I have a right to be joyful and boastful and live my limited time on this earth in celebration and happiness, no matter what. It is a reminder that what others may see as violent and crude can be seen as others as beautiful and safe. And it is a reminder that I am holy, and no one can steal my own worth and holiness from me.]

My second book is about to come out! Check it here!