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.