He Dreams

He dreams beyond his reach
desires more than he can have in one lifetime
He envisions a hacienda with stucco enclosed courtyards
sheep grazing, pretty girls riding in the arena
manicured orchards, a small family mausoleum
He can almost hear the mariachis playing,
smell the spring lamb on the spit
in celebration of the holy day of resurrection
Sometimes his sleep is filled with loss
a nightmare full of failure,
the house, the land, the family: all gone
He wakes in terror, reaches across the bed
for the warmth of the woman at his side