I went to a tattoo parlor and had YES written onto the palm of my left hand, and NO onto my right palm, what can I say, it hasn't made life wonderful, it's made life possible, when I rub my hands against each other in the middle of winter I am warming myself with the friction of YES and NO, when I clap my hands I am showing my appreciation through the uniting and parting of YES and NO, I signify "book" by peeling open my clapped hands, every book, for me, is the balance of YES and NO, even this one, my last one, especially this one.
In this reflection, the author describes the profound meaning behind the tattoos of "YES" and "NO" on their palms. They illustrate how these symbols embody the complexities of life, suggesting that they don’t guarantee happiness, but rather make existence manageable. The physical act of warming their hands signifies the interplay of acceptance and rejection, while the act of clapping represents appreciation and the duality of experiences.
The author further expresses that every book they encounter, including their own, represents a blend of affirmative and negative experiences. The act of unveiling a book mirrors the balance between these two fundamental aspects of life, highlighting how literature captures this tension. Such reflections enrich the understanding of both personal and collective narratives, underscoring the essential interplay of YES and NO in shaping one's journey.
