Friday, November 3, 2006 | by nathan

The Last Illegal Tattoo

Tattooing became legal in Oklahoma this week. We were the last state in the entire country where it was illegal - by a long shot. Lately tattoo shops have been opening up all over the city, most of them skanky. When I got my first tattoo, I was recommended a wonderful guy named Big Nate; he guided me through a slightly traumatic first-tat experience and I came to like him quite a lot.

I decided a long time ago that I wanted to be Nate’s last appointment on the last day tattoos were illegal; that way I could say that I was given one of the last illegal tattoos in America. To tell you the truth, I was kinda hoping the cops would decide to make one last tattoo raid before the deadline, but I knew they wouldn’t. So, a while back, I called Nate and made an appointment. I had picked out a design and was excited; Nate said I could have his last appointment on that day.

Problem was that the day came and I was sick as a dog. I waited it out as long as I could, hoping I would feel better, but I didn’t. So I called Nate and told him I wouldn’t be able to make it, and why.

"Aw, man, I was sick with that last week. You can go ahead and come in if you want."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, man, it’s not like I’m going to get it again."

"Are you willing to sign some sort of waiver to that effect?"

He laughed, and, despite the fact that I was feeling completely assy, I decided to take him at his word; I really wanted to get this tattoo on this night. So I went in, by myself, that evening. I gave Nate the design I had chosen - he said he would have to modify it somewhat, because it was a bit too intricate and might end up turning into mush in my skin within a year. So I told him he had complete artistic freedom. He spent about twenty minutes drawing and came up with something that I found even more beautiful than what I had chosen.

I felt fine the whole time - much easier and faster than last time, though it bled more because of the shading needle he used. It’s currently healing very, very well, and I am enjoying taking tender care of it. I love it so much; man, check out that white ink. I am really glad to have something so beautiful on me.