How many tattoos to make a tapestry?

I'm tattered too
without the pictures
to prove it.

I confess.
I confess.
Listen instead

to the grinding launch
of my metal boat
rather than to 

my pictographic tale. 
I do like to read
the symbols 

and drink the tea
down to the leavings.
I will leave again,

I think. And these 
mountains, this sagebrush,
those coyotes,

none of my friends here
will be displayed.
You will

just have
to ask.