Twelve Saints

Yesterday morning on my walk downtown I spotted a bracelet made of 12 links of wood with enamel saints attached in miniature. Wow! Look at this, I said showing my husband. This is perfect for you, he said. I pocketed it in my red sweatshirt.
I have always been obsessed with depictions of saints in art or graphics. I collect those tall skinny religious candles sold in bodegas. When anyone comes over I tell them I was raised with psychoanalysis and zero religion. My parents acted like GOD was a bad word. You could feel them tighten. They were terrified of all things religious or spiritual. But as I have come to know, I think they craved it and were curious, just like me only I had the guts and freedom to explore.