In New Mexico
The clouds hang
lower in New Mexico,
and whiter. The blue
is bluer in New
Mexico, the arroyos drier,
the midnight yowl
of the coyotes higher.
The roan is deeper-set
in a mustang on the run
in New Mexico, nostrils flare
wider, the clay redder
than the crimsonest
apple cider. Spanish vowels
are softer in New Mexico,
consonants, too.