A zombie
Shorty compares his life to a zombie. While trapped in the rubble, Short says, "I am the voice in the dark, asking you to unbury me, to bring me from the grave out into the light, like a zombie." The simile shows Shorty's hopelessness. Shorty has spent most of his life in crime, and he does not see the value of his life. Shorty indicates that he has done more damage than good in this life by comparing himself to a zombie. While in crime, Shorty admits to having killed several people and caused more destruction than he has built.
Big-bellied like a swollen, starving donkey
Shorty compares Manman's big tummy to a starving swollen donkey. Shorty says, "So Manman went to the rally alone, even though she was eight months pregnant and big-bellied like a swollen, starving donkey." The simile shows Manman's love for adventure because she prefers to attend rallies despite her state. Most people in the slums love attending adventurers' activities to distract themselves from their daily troubles.
Eating the crumbs like mice
The UN and the IMF run the affairs of Haiti through the imposition of tough financial regulations making the citizens suffer. Shorty compares the Haitians' suffering to the mice. Shorty says, "The Haitians are under the table, eating the crumbs like mice!" Due to corruption, the IMF and UN have tightened financial regulations for the Haitian government making life unbearable for ordinary citizens. Shorty encourages the Haitian reader to turn the tables and improve the lives of Haitians.
