1.
In the Fiesta of the Sacred Cross
tequila drunkards
play harmonicas made from armadillo shell

play accordions the keys of which are pearl
and armadillo

shake tambourines
that ring with armadillo toes

2.
My dentist extracted all my teeth
and replaced them with dentures
made of armadillo shell

If I bite someone I can give them leprosy
even if I merely kiss them

and I’m feeling aggressive
like a first grader with no social skills
I’m feeling affectionate too

I’m blowing a saxophone
made from a scooped out
armadillo corpse

I’m feeling hopeful
as a jazz moon
and the new year approach

-- Mitchell Krockmalnik Grabois