9:00 p.m.

For a long shot of tequila
     served with tiny tumbler of
     red fluid
       sangrita
     a little blood
tomato & orange juice
     just a dash of something
     to spice it

At Café de Tacuba a crowd eating late. Floral tiles–yellow, blue & white on the floor. Brass lamps from high darkwood rafters, noisy white walls soar with tall paintings of Mexican heroes. Sor Juana in her white nun's habit, big medallion over her breasts, looks across the crowded room as we eat.

               Eco soy, la más rica
               pastora de estos valles;
               bella decir pudieras
               mis infelicidades.