"There's a fine edge to new grief, it severs nerves, disconnects reality -- there's mercy in a sharp blade. Only with time, as the edge wears, does the real ache begin." A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore
I do not condone walking into a tattoo shop and getting a random tattoo. Certainly never do it while drunk or high (unless I'm there so I can laugh at you and talk you into a tattoo of Jesus riding a unicorn). I have wanted this quote tattoo for some time, and just never got around to it.
Why a Christopher Moore Tattoo?
When someone asks me who is my favorite author, I never hesitate: Christopher Moore. After him, I love Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Jacqueline Carey. Anyone who recognizes all three of those names, and can say they've read their works, will become one of my best friends. Because you must be just as weird as me.
Christopher Moore is hilarious and poignant at the same time. His stories are stupid but stop and make you think. How is that possible? That's like the Three Stooges teaching existentialism.
His words deserve a permanent place on my body.
Why a quote from 'A Dirty Job'?
-It's about grief. My sister's death six years ago has changed my life in so many ways. This quote is the truth.
-You know the saying, "the pen is mightier than the sword"? I felt that this short quote ("There's mercy in a sharp blade") is like a neat twist on that saying. Think about it. You could have a full dinner conversation about it. Fits perfect for writers.
-It's a quote from my favorite author. Who needs any other reason?
Yes, the quote really is from the book. I didn't just find it on the Internet. I check my sources. The quote is found on page 10 of my copy of "A Dirty Job."