No Rose Tattoo

I wanted once to get a small tattoo
A simple rose, and underneath, your name
Your photo in a wallet would not do
To hide you in a billfold seemed a shame.
A permanent impression of my love
Emblazoned on my arm for all to see
Inspired, if unoriginal, and of
Utmost affection and sincerity.
But tattoos fade, and wrinkles mar the skin
A better tribute clearly you deserved
Instead of colored ink I cast you in
These fourteen simple lines. They are reserved
For you, my mother, who will occupy
The first place in my heart, until I die.