Ankle Bracelet

On our vacation in India
I buy an ankle bracelet
in the market

the vendor uses pliers
to press the connecting rings
so the chain won't slip off

the amulet
encircles my leg
as if to ward off
our impending breakup

back from the market
I run to him
across the beach
like a child
eager to have him notice
the adornment

he smiles approval
but the bands
grate sand into my legs

when I swim
out into the ocean
silver spikes dig into my skin

I stop in deep water
to break the chain.