Alan, American Dreamer

Jack Agueros

Alan drives a cab at night, Has cab driver’s elbow In his left arm, Sells real estate by day.

Alan dreams of a big deal, Of opening a classy poolhall. Has a four million dollar deal Which will probably fall through, Has a big land deal with the Post Office But it will take 20 years to deliver Because they are so slow.

Alan collects baseball cards and comic books Hates condos and townhouses Though he lives in one. Was a trader for nineteen and one-half years Then fired when the market melted.

Alan, even if he was rich, Would not let his stepdaughter By his second wife Have her own phone and private line Like her rich friend Rebecca has Because after all she is only twelve.

Alan, half Jewish, has three tattoos. “I got them recently because I wanted them. My Jewish aunt nearly had a stroke When she saw them.”

Alan admits he is a pack rat saving Everything, loves wood, restoration, and antiques. Alan admires the people who buy old houses And fix them up. Hates the development of Staten Island Blaming it on the people from Brooklyn.

Alan was cooking sausages and onions (His other half is Italian) In his back yard When a woman knocked his parked car Into the next block, Totaled it; he got $1,200 more Than it was worth.

Alan found a turtle and put It in a safe stream, Stopped a dog from killing a cock In historic Richmondtown.

Alan hates the dump— ninety-four percent of the garbage there Is dropped by the other boroughs— Likes the idea of secession, Staten Island free and independent.

Alan apologetically asks If he didn’t talk too much As he brings me to my destination.

He leaves me a great silence And I wish I had one million American bucks To tip the exuberant Alan.

Alan, take this million bucks Strip the paint off the good wood of your dreams And tattoo the tedious days.