Happy thoughts, like balloons in a park.

Arches, back spring round the Zocalo.

A bandstand; brass and strings sing.

Helium filled notes float away.

An old woman, white hair and two sticks,

flowers borne by smiles in bright dresses.

Serious urchins sell rubber balls.

Carved radishes, flowers and cornhusk tableaus,

wrought iron on windows, studded doors;

family begging on the sidewalk.

Cool courtyards, fountains and flowers;

a web of long extension cords,

one million lights twinkle, eyes flash.

Falice Navidad en Oaxaca.

 
 
David Garlick, Oaxaca, December, 1997