AGAVE

On the side property of the rented house there are two agaves, each taller than the highest surrounding trees. In the dusty 50 mile an hour winds last night, one fell over flat on its face landing in the wide and sandy public area between this house and the next. The poor thing made only a small thump when it landed, exposing its shallow roots.

This early morning, when the dogs were doing their business in the back, a man and woman called out, "Hello? Hello?" I didn't answer. It was very early. One of them tried again, "Hello?" I said hello.

"How did this happen?" The woman pointed to the tree.
"I don't know".
"You don't know?"
"No."
"Well, when did it happen?"
"I don't know. I guess last night some time. I wasn't watching".
"You weren't watching?"
"No."
"Well," the man said, "at least now no one will drive through the sand." And the man and the woman moved on.