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by Bruce E. Stoker © 2003

The social anthropologists have said

That Trickster myths are common through the world—

Those stories telling how confusion swirled

Among the thoughts of ancients who were led

To do the will of one who often fed

Upon the havoc that he oft unfurled

Confusing folks with twisted words he hurled.

There’s more between the lines that ought be read.

The Serpent and Coyote are among

The men and animals who bear that role,

But if we were to take a closer look

We’d see the one who in the Garden stole

The soul of man by use of evil tongue

And through deceit all of creation shook.

by Bruce E. Stoker, ©2003

Veinticuatro horas en la dia;

Yo trabajo ocho horas o más.

Y yo debo dormir alguna vez;

Debo poder ver a mi familia.

Deseo comer buena comida.

Yo estaba allí una vez (¿tres?)–

Esta semana como hice antes.

¡Me deseo había comida!

Pero, Jefe no es un monstruo.

Si soy hoy afortunado también,

Él quitará quizá mis cadenas–

O si me he comportado bien–

Que puedo gozar de mi almuerzo

En el Xochimilco para fajitas!

[Translation]

Twenty-four hours in the day;

I work eight hours or more.

And I must sleep sometimes;

I must be able to see my family.

I desire to eat good food.

I was there one time (three?)

This week, as I did before.

I wish I had eaten!

But, my boss is not a monster.

If I am today lucky also,

perhaps he will remove my chains–

Or if I have behaved well–

That I can enjoy my lunch

At Xochimilco for fajitas!

by Bruce E. Stoker © 2003

He lurks around the corners of my life,

And watches for the perfect times to strike

A blow, to shatter mind and soul alike,

To rend relationships with friends, my wife.

He counts on me to fear his crafted strife

That worms its way into my mind, snakelike,

Invoking doubts that lurk about, ghostlike,

Of sins, now past, with which my life was rife.

Although he skulks about, he has been caught.

And though his plots still catch me off my guard,

I know the accusations he may bring

Cannot rescind the offer of reward

That God has promised when His love is sought.

The menace fails when to God’s grace I cling.

by Bruce E. Stoker, ©2003

Oh, Xochimilco! How I long to eat

Carnitas, refritos, tomatillos,

To relish your Mexican refrescos.

I long for time to partake of that treat:

Tortillas shrouding chunks of tasty meat

Smothered in quesos deliciosos,

But I’m thwarted by schedules muy locos.

By almuerzo I’m ready for defeat.

But mis amigos Roberto and Dale

Are surely, swiftly coming to my aid

To bring tidings of lunch; it’s my rescue!

Though workload has stopped the plans I have made,

With friends such as these my strength will not pale.

Xochimilco, I’m coming to see you!