A black eye is not just a condition, or an expression; but a sign... Somewhere in a poor bastards life something went awry. True, they could be accidents, much like children; but for the majority of Black eye owners, they were seeking something they ought not to, and ended up with something they don't want. A black eye sends a message, one of two meanings. "This person has it rough, or this person gets rough" it evokes both sympathy and disdain, "Poor thing, or don't trust them"... the owner of the eye often seeks to conceal it; but after time it becomes a part of you, you accept it, much like an unwanted child, you hope it works to your benefit. If it intimidates you use it, if it garnishes sympathy you use it, a bartering chip for a story and a free drink at the bar, by God you use it and take pride in the fact the stories get larger and livelier every time you tell it! By the time the eye has yellowed and all but faded away, you're not even sure how you got it...
