Superstitions

Carry salt in each pocket
Sift through lint and
Granules beneath your nails
Gather them into heaps of good luck

Nestle a drop of turquoise
Between your clavicles
To ward off wayward compliments
To avert the evil eye

Savor orange blossom water
Sip slowly to soothe the spirit
From sudden shocks
Or festering fears
 
Overturn shoes resting
With soles facing the sky
Heaven deserves more than
Weathered scuffs and scrapes

Erupt in laughter
At the close of a troubling day
Never let sleep descend with
Sorrow burrowing in your sheets

Throw water on the receding shadows
Of your loved ones
To wish them bon voyage
To usher their safe return