Odd Constant Distraction

by Natalie Martusciello

I see the translucent garnet of the rosary.
The crucifix is facing the windshield, dangling
from the rearview mirror like an upset windchime,
thrashing wildly against the air freshener. 

The crucifix is facing the windshield, dangling
above the dashboard as though it were Earth,
thrashing wildly against the air freshener.
As long as I can see him, Jesus Christ will protect me. 

Above the dashboard as though it were Earth,
his tiny silver body is hovering watchfully. 
As long as I can see him, Jesus Christ will protect me.
Can you be sure that he is there? Yes, 

his tiny silver body is hovering watchfully,
reflecting the electric green of the traffic light.
Can you be sure that he is there? Yes, do not
look away from the road to check again. 

Reflecting the electric green of the traffic light,
his body is an impenetrable shield.
Look away from the road to check again
that he is there.

Natalie Martusciello is from Long Island, New York. She is currently an English major and creative writing concentrator at the College of Charleston. Natalie’s short story “Superstition” and her poem “Tradition” were both published by The Roadrunner Review: The Creative Writing Journal of the Metropolitan State University of Denver.