I’ve been craving a new tattoo for almost a year now. I had promised myself a new tattoo to celebrate my graduation (back in October 2013), but I chickened out/got negative peer-pressure. Most of my friends are not into tattoos, so many of them suggested against it when I announced my intentions the weeks prior to my scheduled appointment.

I only have a handful of tattoos, all of which are placed in areas that can be shown (without appearing promiscuous) and hidden (without appearing prudish). I was very selective about placement, but not nearly as selective about what I chose to get at 18/19. Of my five tattoos, I regret three …that’s passing, right? Ha!

I’ve wanted to even the numbers with a new tattoo: a quote from one of my favorite authors. I’d like to place it on my left shoulder blade, in typewriter font:

My fault, my failure, is not in the passions I have, but in my lack of control of them.

– Jack Kerouac

This quote rings true to every element of my life; I start out with the best of intentions, but my impulses and lack of self-control are often what lead to my ruin. The things that I like are not bad (or not too bad, at least), but my excess and inability to control myself is normally what drives me toward failure.

Having this as a tattoo would be a reminder of my weakness – which, in my eyes, would help to reinforce my will power and my strength. Wearing my damage makes me aware of it, fully cognizant of it, and I feel that having this as a permanent mark on my flesh it will somehow strengthen me. Can it drive me away from the very fault I fear within myself? It’s my hope.

Silly? Perhaps.

Another quote I like:

or…

This one (above) is a better over-used, though, so I likely wouldn’t consider it for a tattoo, even though it’s from a very meaningful passage from On the Road.

What do you think? Is a literary tattoo too cliché? Would this be a waste of time, money, and clean skin?

Soliciting your feedback,

~ Victoria Elizabeth