Since Father Died by Reyes Cardenas

Since Father Died

Since father died last year,
the desert has all but disappeared.

The hundred degree temperatures
have fallen below zero.

A Century Plant’s
hundred years are up.

The San Jacinto Mountains lie so flat,
they’re dwarfed by dew.

All roads leading into Indio
are closed forever and day.

In the new Coachella Valley,
the once mighty sun is just a candle.