Connect the fragments as you drink.
DOMINOES BY LISA MARIE PEREZ 34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 46
Pieces clink together
the primitive nature of these men exposed
Yelling and hollering curses
across a folding table
The old lady brings down espresso—
Cuenten Ahi
“Everybody count ten pieces”
Connect the fragments as you drink
over your own life’s rubble
Piece by piece
Story by story
Oye No Me Tranque
Don’t screw your partner over
“Cubana, you better know the rules”
This isn’t a game, it’s a profession
Only a legacy can take over
Abuelo Espero Que Estés Conmigo
I slam the piece, the sound
of two bottles clanking
“Now that’s a true Cuban”
Watch my partner
He knocks, then the other, and the other
I can go
The last domino fits perfectly
I win.