Gorgeous Gorgets

The women are not beautiful, they are

protected at the throat by bands of linen 

then later shells carved from freshwater mussel

shell harvested near Fort Sill, Oklahoma or 

whelk shell cups copper perhaps. Look closely

at the left side of the state flag of South Carolina

to find a crescent moon mirroring 

the protective garb. An echo investment 

in safety's mythology of jewelry 

to protect the act of cradling some ounce of 

life like military uniforms 

emblazoned with an unspoken announcement 

Do not enter here.