Summary

Simonopio heard Espircueta’s gunshot in the distance in “So Close and Yet So Far.” Francisco’s body gave out and fell forward without feeling the bullet in “Irrigating the Land.” As he lay in the dirt, Francisco thought to tell Francisco that he was tired and they would return home without planting the trees. Francisco struggled for air with his face in the dirt. He heard a sound from beneath him, realizing it was Francisco Junior. His confusion vanished, and he was struck with “terror” upon realizing that Espiricueta had shot him (367). Knowing his body was paralyzed, Francisco began to cry. He heard Espiricueta’s song as he approached and watched him crush his hand. Espiricueta whispered the song in his ear before shooting him point blank.

Simonopio watched Espiricueta, “the coyote,” kill Francisco as...