and he stood on his hind legs,

almost dancing as he begged for scraps

of boiled ham, dark bread and deviled eggs.

Now when he hears the sound of voices,

he growls, covers the bones quickly

and hides beneath the burned-out shell of a car

until they fade

like all the voices that once made us family,

but could not save us from our destiny.

THE BROKER

Twins are good luck.

In my country, a boy and a girl especially.

Two boys equals double support,

but two girls I am sorry to report

are looked on as burdens.

Of course, sometimes the stars

are inclined to bestow

more bounteous fortune on a family

than they might ordinarily

and twins of any and/or either sex

are blessed by being born

under a sign

that is cause for rejoicing

rather than for mourning.

Your twins, fortunately, are a boy and girl.

You cannot in all the world

find any two more compatible with you.

They are not from my country, no.

I acquired them, shall we say, in Mexico.

They speak no English,

although they know the words,

“please,” and “thank you,”

which I taught them,

because I felt it might

make them a bit more acceptable

to a respectable person like you.

Americans appreciate courtesy.

I know that now that I am an American

and no longer let astrology,

or superstition rule my life,

no, I let my daily planner do that

and it is telling me

that I have another appointment

in exactly thirty minutes,

so if you’re ready

we can retrieve the children.

They will be so grateful to receive you

and will repay you a thousand times

for choosing me to be your procurer.

That word does not offend me,

because it describes perfectly

the service I provide

for discerning customers

who want a bit of the exotic in their lives.

The downpayment you wired to my bank

is earning interest

and I appreciate your advice on investments.

One has to think of the future,

even if one finds it unpleasant.

I used to live from day to day,

but I realize that isn’t the way it is here,

where fear of starvation

or some other tribulation is less common

than among my countrymen.

Where are my keys?

Ah, here they are glittering like stars

above the ocean

the night my brother offered to stake me with—

Oh, yes, I know you’re anxious to get going.

You’re a busy person.

So am I

and what is worse than hearing boring stories

about someone else’s struggles.

I know, I know it is difficult

to juggle your duties.

I have the same problem myself.

Anyway, come children,

come say goodbye to uncle.

What? Oh, it’s just a term

one uses in my country.

One learns to do what one has to

in order to make things run smoothly

don’t you think?

Remember if you find that you desire

another foray into uncharted waters

I am at your service.

All sales are final.