Here

Slightly
outside my comfort zone
and very
pleased.
Outside...
not because I'm in South America
for the first time,
but because
I'm alone
sitting at a low table
on the sidewalk
in Quito
una pajara rara
middle-aged
gringa
asking questions about the snacks
"No conosco la comida de aqui"
Okay, so fried banana balls with cheese
and getting a buzz on so she can
sleep (we'll see)
A mean mojito
a glass of good Chileno tinto
Am I ever out
on a Saturday night
alone?
With le tout Quito
(under 30)
Beautiful faces
Not PC to say
People are just prettier in
some places
than others.
But some major fuck-me shoes
on the ladies, pobrecitas
You have nothing to lose but your
Nevah mind.

Day began at 5 AM
in NY
with an underground explosion
Me in bed
Printer started talking
Phone died
Fires on the street
We're out, said Bill
Woke up Leo
to seek higher ground
(Actually grandma's--19th floor)
Firechief in the lobby of our building
"Go back to bed. We're monitoring it."
As if I ever went back to bed.
In any circumstance. Ever.
Thank you, firechief.
Some people get out. Some don't.
NY 2001.
An ounce of prevention.

Not an auspicious beginning.
Then a delayed flight
and a missed connection.
But finally
here I am
on the equator
high enough up
to need a sweater.
Buenas noches.