Leary’s Stash Box

There were always drugs in the house — because everyone who visited him came bearing gifts.

Mermaid Tears

Pure poetry of title and color.

Radioactive Trinitite

The suicidal ideation of the Cold War was infectious, and I caught it young.

Rabbit Box

I never gave that little silver rabbit to my mother.

Argus Coin

A talisman steering me clear of the Siren song of fear and indifference.

Dinosaur Bones

I wanted to find a dinosaur fossil, badly.

Dashboard Totems

These totems keep me centered and help focus my thoughts when I got driving duty.

Martian Fink Ring

Anyone with five cents could buy one, but I didn’t know that at the time.

Spindle Whorl

One of the first machines invented and used primarily by women.

Peanuts Paperback

A mysterious relic created by routine, familiarity, and sentimentality.

Zippo Lighter

Its inner workings make me think of it as a miniature Modernist building.

Miniature Dice

My talisman keeps me vigilant, wary of the complex bait and switch skills of confidence men.

Hatchet

The hatchet is of Swedish manufacture, and thrums with northern virtues.

Crochet Sheep

It was frayed and melancholy and only slightly hopeful and right up my alley.