Ranchero Life

A hot Southwest summer,

the ranchero toils in the agave field,

wielding the coa is hard work.

He eats his tortilla and salsa,

drinks his mezcal,

time to rest and recharge.

He covers his head with straw sombrero

leans his back on the rock,

for a quick siesta

behind the shade of tall saguaros,

and prickly pears.

It’s hostile, arid land sure,

but it’s of his ancestors,

he knows how to live here.

It has its immense tortures

but also, a myriad of blessings,

he loves and prides on his land,

he is the steward.