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.