Tales from the Subway: Face Tattoo Teaches Us About Choices

In the past, I've been known to teach a thing or two to random strangers at 7-11. But, yesterday, I learned something from a stranger. A lesson on choices.

So yesterday, I got on the subway and was sitting almost directly across from a guy with a FACE TATTOO. Yup.

Tattoo on face.

The tattoo looked like a word or two in script... not like a picture or design.

Anyway, Face tats was a chatty guy. And also - a bit intimidating. I mean, did I mention he has a tattoo on his FACE? I saw him on the subway platform talking to a stranger next to him. And then, the moment we got onto the train, he started talking to the guy sitting directly next to me. The guy handled it pretty well.


Face tattoo: You smoke cigarettes?

Guy: No.

Face tattoo: You should...

[Pause.]

Face tattoo: That was a joke, man.
Guy: Oh I know. That's why I was laughing.
(clearly scared and a bit uncomfortable and NOT laughing.)

[Pause.]

Guy: Did that hurt? (Pointing to Face Tattoo's face tattoo.)

Face tattoo: Hennessy, man.... Hennessy.
Hennessy and a little weed.
You have any tats?

Guy: No. No. Some of my friends do but I don't. I've thought about it.

Face tattoo: Don't sir. Don't.
Guy: Yea, I know. I don't know if I really would or not.
Face tattoo: Don't do it. Promise me, man. It's addictive. That shit is like crack cocaine.
(and then...)
Know who you are, man!

Guy: Well if anything, I'd do something sentimental. Something meaningful.

Face tattoo: Don't do it! That shit is forever, man.
Don't do it man... I'm telling you.

I have my girls name here (points to left shoulder)... didn't work out.
I have my other girls name here (points to right shoulder)... didn't work out.

[pause]

I got God here, though. (points to his NECK.)
That's still going on.