I went to the occult store

Where there were crystals and protection spells and mystical things

There were ancient Italian tarot cards with medieval faces and leaves

The storekeeper was soft spoken

Wrapped my copper pendant in a shimmering black pocket with silver and gold stars

I held the thing in my palm and thought it was so special

Delicate and potent with romance, like the fragment of lyrics to a song

I remembered a vision from long ago

Of Florence and Dante

Drifters and moon rivers

I thought how I’m safe now

Under your influence

Can feel magic again, finally