Black and grey geometric tattoo of an arrow crossing an atom-like orbit and compass rings on the inner forearm, with a small leaf above.

Arrow over atom and compass on forearm

Geometric · Forearm · Black and grey · Photo

A tattoo of an arrow running diagonally across a circular design of overlapping elliptical orbits, with faint radial lines and concentric rings behind them like a compass rose. A small leaf or feather shape sits above the arrowhead, and the arrow fletching is shaded in grey. The work is black and grey with bold outlines on the orbits and soft shading on the arrow, photographed straight on against a patterned fabric and wooden floor.

Geometric Forearm Arrow Orbit Compass Ring Leaf Feather

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A story inspired by this tattoo · fiction

Dear Ida,

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The lamp came back on at ten past four this morning, which I took as a sign you'd be pleased, though you'll say I'm sentimental. The brass housing has gone green at the seams again, so I spent the afternoon with rag and paraffin while the gulls argued on the rail. Mr Pardoe brought the new mantle across on Tuesday's boat and swore it was the last one we'd need, same as he swore about the rope.

Something odd happened in the chart room. I'd pinned your drawing of the rings above the desk, the one with the little feather you insisted was the sea breeze given a shape. Every orbit you sketched around the middle of the page, I've been trying to fit to the tide tables, and they don't agree. Your three circles match the moon far better than my ruled ones ever did. I laughed at you for it at Christmas, but I sat with the compass and dividers until the candle guttered, and I think you were right about the spacing.

Enclosed is the spare arrow from the old lookout post, the one with the grey fletching. I found it wedged behind the lens cupboard, and the shaft still points true north when you hold it level. Hang it somewhere you'll see it. I'll keep the lamp burning until you're home.

Your loving father, Tom