SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE:BALLET

EVENING BALLET

Foot-lighted by fluorescent

Jacarandas more purple than amethysts,

Against a backdrop of sunset

And mountains, the egrets

Perform in black pines:

Backflap for landings, soar

With tightly curled necks, and

Like slim ebony carvings

Balance on tree tops.

Their roof-top audience

Of American writers,

Refueled with creative juices,

Applaud along with yawping nighthawks.