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 a day.

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