Cruz uses the literary technique of telling a fable to make a point without the need for identifying specific people or entities. As a fable, the story is told in the past tense, and the poem is presented from the third person narrative perspective, which means that the actions of the central character are observable while his thoughts and motivations remain unstated.

Cruz also utilizes much symbolism in the poem, especially with the items sold by the man. Puppets and whistles would probably be considered children's items, and yet the man's puppets symbolize the role of politicians and the common man under bureaucratic rule. The whistles represent the opportunity to call attention to inequities in the system and the injustices imposed on common people and those trying to conduct their own business. The man is able to make the court clerks and detectives laugh at...