Returning Home to Pittsburgh

I have returned home after
a long overseas flight,
returned to the elms and
eastern hemlocks that passed
so fast in a blur, the descent
to runway, the pines beneath
me, then beside me. I am
on I-376, passing through
the Fort Pitt Tunnel, the glow
of gold bricks leads to light–
falling in love again from
the first view of the city, Ohio
River under towers, toward
bridges. I have walked Fort
Duquesne often on my way
to Pirates games, and sat in
outfield bleacher sunshine eating
hot dogs smeared with Heinz,
cheering for the team among
thousands draped in black
and yellow, like carpenter
bees at Phipps that feed on pink
magnolias, the magnificence
of this city in bloom, the way
when winter ends the branches
transform in time-lapse
from reflection to redbuds,
and in Highland Park you
can watch it all unfold
around you, day by day,
in view of the reservoir,
go anywhere, Frick Park,
the Allegheny River Trail,
see the endless vibrance,
follow robins to elms and
eastern hemlocks and you
will find your way home.