The Talisman

I played hooky the day the Gulf War began

But only a half day

I got up and watched

As CNN brought images

Of fighter jets leaving aircraft carriers

Like the opening scenes of Top Gun

After lunch I fashioned a talisman for my return to school

To my 9th grade English class

With Mr. Hinkle

Who let the kid in the Misfits shirt

Who never turned in an assignment

Who we figured was on drugs

Pass

Because Mr. Hinkle could talk books with him

I was a good student

Christian kid

But I once turned in forged lyrics

To Mr. Hinkle

Living Colour, I think

“Memories Can’t Wait” I think

With my name on it

I wore the talisman proudly to class

A Cross from the Christian bookstore

An American Flag pendant from the junk drawer

And a micro machine fighter jet

Mr. Hinkle remarked

“The only thing out of place is the Cross”