just the mention of the heat

Edward Pi–on, left, his wife, Irma Pi–on and Jose Correa, right, use trails in the Chamizal National Memorial Thursday.  Edward Pi–on said he recalls the park grounds being much greener than it is now. Rudy Gutierrez/El Paso Times

just the mention of the heat
starts conversations
that lead to lawn problems, vacations,
and how the kids are doing at home

the grass is blond and brown now
the tree leaves show the stress
now tired, they fall
in anticipation of autumn

school’s back in session
the streets fall quiet during the day
it’s a good time to sit outside
in the sun and sweat

it’ll all be over soon
and we’ll huddle in
against the gray winter
our lives confined