Figurines used in 25,000 bc are
The earliest examples of man-made amulets
Perhaps to protect the deceased
Or usher them to the next life.

Ancient Egyptians wore amulets
Resembling a scarab beetle
Presumably because the dung balls it pushed
Resembled the sun and promised life.

The Celts loved the clover
Especially the four-leaf variety.
So rare they are, their finders
Believe good luck is to follow them.

The pre-Colombian god Ekeko
Sold his amulets for one banknote
Or one cigarette
And bequeathed fortune and welfare to the purchasers.

The Hellenists associated Sapphires with gods.
In Medieval times sapphires tested infidelity.
Ancient Persians thought the earth balanced on a sapphire.
Even Charlemagne wore one.

Early Scandinavians used a rune to ward off evil.
Hungarians wore garlic to repel vampires.
During the middle ages pilgrims
Believed that relics had great power.

Amulets are a superstitious lottery ticket
Making promises that fame or good fortune
Will soon come to their holders even though Ekeko
Garnered more money and cigarettes than his customers.

Ancient Israel kept an ornate box containing
The Ten Commandments, Aaron’s staff,
And manna, believing Israel was invincible
Until the Philistines stole the box and defeated them.

And then they learned that you can’t possess God
Or control life
And wearing an amulet is nothing more than that –
Wearing an amulet.