Two Wheels To Nowhere

While driving northward from Asheville NC through West Virginia we stopped at a busy Starbucks on the highway. The young baristas (all ladies) were going crazy trying to serve us all our ‘fix’ for the afternoon. As one of the young ladies took my order, she lifted her right arm to get my change out of the till, exposing her inner bicep, close to her armpit. A small tattoo “COEXIST” was momentarily visible to me. “I really like your tattoo”, I said, before I could check myself at the realization that she may find it creepy that a 50+ guy gave her this sort of compliment. She politely, quietly said, “Thank you”. I don’t think she found my comment creepy; I hope not. Funny thing is, a few nights before, a few of us were having the discussion over a few beers, “if you were to get one tattoo, what would it be?”. As we bounced around our personal opinions, I thought hard, “what would mine be”? What is so meaningful to me that I would permanently etch it into my skin? Something related to cycling, crossed my mind but that’s it – until I saw this young ladies “COEXIST”. If I were to get a tattoo, that is one that I would actually consider. The only other one I have contemplated is a Medical Alert for two severe allergies – not as deep as COEXIST but definitely more practical. So what would you (or have you?) tattoo on your skin?