From: wbm@sparcler.cc.ncsu.edu (william b morris)
Newsgroups: alt.personals
Subject: Re: tatoo: what do you think
Date: 19 Dec 92 20:54:41 GMT
Organization: North Carolina State University


  When someone gets a tattoo it should be a long thought out decision. This is
something that will be with you for the rest of your life. I have met some
people who regretted their decision, but normally that is because it was a spur
of the moment thing.

  In my particular situation I thought about my tattoos till I was sure it was
exactly what I wanted and each one symbolizes something.

  My first tatto was when I was in Texas after just joining the Air Force in
1977. I got a panther on my right upper arm to symbolize my nickname "Morris 
The Cat". Now I had carried that nickname through school and the military so to
me it was a logical decision. Another thing you have to consider is the style 
of the particular tattoo. Anyone who has seen many tattoos know that there are
numerous styles of panthers. I didn't want one that looked ferocious, I stand
6'0" and weigh in around 220 lbs. so who cares about ferocity. I got a panther
lying on the limb of a tree with leaves and flowers.

 While stationed in the Phillipine Islands I got several more tattoos. A tiger
on my left upper arm again for my nickname. Now the two symbolize my light and
dark moods. Two fighting dragons, one on each shoulder blade, symbolizing my
lifelong interest in the orient and it's lifestyles of bushido and the other
codes of the past and present. My last tattoo that I got in the Phillipines was
a pegasus backpiece with the pegasus flying throught the clouds and circled by
planets and shooting stars. This symbolizes my idea of freedom. To me the 
ultimate freedom would be a flying horse. I am also into reading fiction and 
fantasy. Freedom is important to me. I guess that is one of the reasons I once
rode with a club.

  My last three tattoos came about while riding with the club. I have an
american clutching the Navajo Indian symbol for luck in it's talons on my left
forearm. The eagle shows my love for my country and the Navajo symbol symbolizes
my belief that I have lived a charmed life because of things I have survived
unscathed. Over my heart is my old clubs tattoo which represents my southern
heritage and upbringing while expressing my since of humor. The club I rode for
was the Rebel Jokers. On my fingers of my left hand are the suites of playing
cards which was a way of identifying members from other chapters.

  Tattos on women can be beautiful if they reflect the inner beauty of her soul
by expressing the meaning that she wants it to. Don't jump right in and get the
first thing you see. Think about it and be sure that it is something you want
for the rest of your life. That way, if you never have regrets about it then
that feeling will be expressed in the way you display it. A tattoo is better if
you can be proud of it instead of always making excuses about it.
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William B. Morris                  | William B. Morris                  
The Biker Poet                     | 2A Watauga Hall                      
Major: English (writing/editing)   | Box 21603      
Major: Technical Graphics          | NCSU
wbm@unity.ncsu.edu                 | Raleigh,N.C. 27607
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