If we have experienced it firsthand, it tends to influence our writing in a positive way. That said, we and our readers are able to reveal why we chose that underlying topic or message within the sonnet. Benjamin Alire Saenz grew up on a farm in Mesilla, New Mexico. Growing up, he spent much of his life living in New Mexico. After venturing out and leaving his childhood home, he moved to Texas and was a priest for a few years. Knowing that Saenz grew up in the hot desert of New Mexico and that his story played a religious role in a church gave him the inspiration to write this poem. People who love reading his literary work understand why he chose the desert and the message is about having a spiritual connection and longing for God. After understanding and getting to know the author a little better, he helps a high school student like me to perceive the main poem in terms of poetry.