talisman

i put your book in my bag 
when i went into the vice-soaked night
in search of the inexplicable 
knowing i wouldn't read it
more as a talisman

because this morning your words 
glowed like burning coals 
the fire of intention as you say

or rather, as i returned home to dress 
to don my vice suit 
i thought about the talisman 
and it led me on
my safety assured