“One time, I found what I thought was a silver dollar until I picked it up. It was thin and aluminum, and what it most resembled was an encircled five-starred sheriff’s badge. One side displayed a crown. The flip side revealed a horseshoe surrounded by the words GOOD LUCK. According to Google, these types of tokens were used in vending machines or parking lots in the eighties. Despite my best efforts, I never figured out where this one originated, but it’s been in my wallet for thirty years. Now silvery-white and polished smooth, it’s cool to the touch. Yet, when I curl my fingers around it, warmth radiates up my arm into my chest and my breath slows.”
Excerpted from my latest essay “Talisman” published by award-winning literary magazine 805 Lit + Art. Now available online if you want to read more about superstition, prophecy and good luck charms.
I started writing this essay in 2019. At that point, it was mostly a laundry list of superstitions, without much context. Since then, I’ve read dozens of braided essays which inspired me to try and find another way to tell my story. Earlier this year, I workshopped a draft with my long-time writing group. They thought the piece was good and made some suggestions, encouraging me to keep going. Around the same time, I responded to a submission call from 805 Lit + Art magazine with the revised essay. Turns out it was the right essay at the right time. The litmag editorial team has been terrific, very professional and good communicators. A great experience all around.
