Jetsetter, whirlwind tour, weekend warrior
room service, late night café, tramway,
toiletry kit, packing cubes, express checkout,
elevator, escalator, shuttle, to-go cup, airport taxi

passing windows reflect shadows
strangers’ faces, smiles and dark circles
bleary-eyed smiles and city lights

luggage cart and boarding pass
security check, overhead compartments
dozing in an airplane window
landing gear keening beneath

hometown mountains rise
above a thick blanket of low clouds
morning sun crisp and bold

plane slips through the mist
down to the glassy sea
over this pale city still yawning
tires touch down on the runway

jostle us gently, blinking into baggage claim
plane-thunder rolls through the grey sky
sounds of whirlpools and rolling suitcase wheels

passenger loading on the causeway
tripping over heavy feet into the car
parking stubs and driveway gates
metered onramp, turn signals merge

tollbooths, freeway speeds, lane changes
familiar road signs guide us
finally glad to be home.