thrift store talismans

i wear a silver cross around my neck

and a silver crest that says “sverige” with the three crowns of sweden

i wear them both for love,

these thrift store talismans

i ask them to soothe a wounded heart

like a balm or panacea

i ask $24 of thrift shop silver to help me carry the load

like simon of cyrene

or my boyfriend with all my camera bags