From the perspective of a 17 year-old Indian
Cracks, clocks, colors
determined my grade, fate, and birth date.
Numbers found in astrology
affect the state of my psychology.
Sights of cats, cows, and crows
all elicited different reactions. From
foes to friends, everyone believed in them.
Confused by this cultural haze and
navigated through doubt in this maze,
Growing up this is how I deciphered
“Luck”.
6,7,9
Full moons meant prayers and blessings.
Solar eclipses meant prayers and omens.
Charting each constellations effect
on the choices I make and manipulating destiny
by choosing the right company.
Yellow on Thursday and white on Saturday.
Making wishes over fallen eyelashes, at 11:11
with one candle left.
Growing up this is how i deciphered
“Luck”.
Gems, crystals, stones
Red threads around my wrist
and powder between my brows.
Joint hands in prayer each morning
with whispered manifestations cooking over fire.
Fingers crossed and touching wood,
Itchy palms full of curd,
Gazing at statues and distributing blessed food,
Right hand for prasad and right foot forward
Growing up this is how I deciphered
“Luck”.
Editor(s): Rajeshwari T.
Photo Credits: Unsplash