Vast clouds, a study in gray.
As wings gain altitude,
horizon’s halo of red
dwarfs storm clouds.

An hour later, as wings
approach the landing strip,
streets glow red
from reflected street lamps.

Fireworks in the dark
tumble like marbles
into a labyrinth
of tarmac and blacktop.

With nightfall, wings tip,
scooping air like sandhill cranes’
outstretched wings:
touchdown on the Chicago tarmac.