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This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Floating Island” Down in the Dirt, v206 (4/23) Order the paperback book:

Order this writing that appears in the one-of-a-kind anthology Forbidden Library the Down in the Dirt Jan.-April 2023 issues collection book		get the 420 page Jan.-April 2023 Down in the Dirt 6" x 9" ISBN# perfect-bound paperback book:

The Talisman

Susie Gharib

He kept it in a locket
which he wore all the time around his neck
and no teasing or trust could reveal his well-kept secret.
He called it his talisman against the evil of the universe.

When a typhoon swept the shores of his battered hamlet,
his home remained intact despite the ravage that sent
all his neighbors marveling at the magic that lay on his guarded breast.

When people passed by his little field they paused to inhale
the strange fragrance that emanated from his luminous hay
as if a thousand fairies breathed out their scents.

He was never seen in his parish church
or kneeling in prayer at a shrine by the sacred well
and no rosary ever graced his fingers which remained undecked.

When he died not a single drawer was searched.
No bank accounts or assets were a real concern.
The locket was the only debated subject.

There was no will that bequeathed it on a relative or friend.
The lawyer had no option but to divide its valuable contents
amongst the ten persons that claimed to be his next of kin.

Upon opening the locket the air was bound to resonate
with ten screams of utter disappointment
for it had always been empty of any type of substance.
The faith that lay deep within his bosom
was buried with him.

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