The scent of creosote rises from

the wet desert floor wafting up

to the balcony. Standing in the dark

except for the lights leading to the

pool on the hill, he inhales deeply

knowing the air has had its winter

wash, the dust is gone for now and

tomorrow the view of the McDowell

Mountains will be as good as it will

be for a while.  He takes another full

breath and laughs without the other-

wise ever-present sidekick cough.