Американские боги

           Shedidherbesttoteachherthehiddentruths,thedeepknowledge,totellherofElegba,ofMawu,ofAido-Hwedothevoudonserpent,andtherest,buttheWidowParis(Ishallnowtellyouthenameshewasbornwith,andthenameshelatermadefamous:itwasMarieLaveau.ButthiswasnotthegreatMarieLaveau,theoneyouhaveheardof,thiswashermother,whoeventuallybecametheWidowGlapion),shehadnointerestinthegodsofthedistantland.IfSt.DomingohadbeenalushblackearthfortheAfricangodstogrowin,thisland,withitscornanditsmelons,itscrawfishanditscotton,wasbarrenandinfertile."Shedoesnotwanttoknow,"complainedMamaZouzoutoClémentine,herconfidant,whotookinthewashingformanyofthehousesinthatdistrict,washingtheircurtainsandcoverlets.Clémentinehadablossomofburnsonhercheek,andoneofherchildrenhadbeenscaldedtodeathwhenacopperoverturned.

           "Thendonotteachher,"saysClémentine.

           "Iteachher,butshedoesnotseewhatisvaluable—allsheseesiswhatshecandowithit.Igiveherdiamonds,butshecaresonlyforprettyglass.Igiveherademi-bouteilleofthebestclaretandshedrinksriverwater.Igiveherquailandshewishestoeatonlyrat."

           "Thenwhydoyoupersist?"asksClémentine.

           MamaZouzoushrugsherthinshoulders,causingherwitheredarmtoshake.

           Shecannotanswer.