“Pentacle”

I have a necklace that I wear
every day
a small, silver charm,
symbol of religion, symbol of self
Lost a department store job, once
for refusing to remove it
unless crosses, too were banned
Probably could have sued
seemed too much trouble
when rent was due
Now, I work for tips
and every day
before leaving for work
I turn my little charm backwards
so only a flat disk shows
If I want to eat, tonight
I’ll have to hide, today

© M. Black, 2016 All rights reserved.