New Year's Visitor

New Year’s Visitor

The rain’s an old friend
to this desert; the cacti
have been inviting
the moist clasp of his hands
since the beginning of time.
Now it’s a new year again
and again that old pal
comes to visit.
He’s slicked down his hair
with his spittle. He’s washed
his face, then disappeared
in the evening
toward the mountain, and returned
refreshed at first light
dancing in the wind.
In the afternoon, you can find
in dry desert patches
his drowsy face
Reflected in small pools.