What is the symbolism of Javier's poem in the novel, American Dirt?

Javier's poem is symbolic as it evidences his vulnerability and intimate connection with Lydia. Javier only shows his poetry to his daughter, Marta, and Lydia. He himself concedes "the poem revealed something intimate about him, it also illuminated his humanity" (189). The poem also captures the idea of fate as Javier would have liked to have been a poet in another life. Instead he is a killer, the leader of a dangerous and violent cartel. This aspect of Javier echoes the idea of the repeated phrase "in another life" again referring to the trope of fate.