"Greenway"


It is far from pristine habitat, this path which snakes along the city's sewer line,
where a ramble to the weir after a pounding rain
reveals a creek choked with plastic bags, basketballs, and the ironic water bottle.

And, truth be told, here spring's first fiery green is invasive elaeagnus
overhanging a stiltgrass tangle, which at least conceals
the dogs' lost tennis balls or the inexplicable single running shoe.

And yet, for all of that, there is this:
that on one still morning, I was startled by persistent knocking
And answering it with a swift, upward glance,
Saw five pileated woodpecker fledglings
Proclaiming grace
with the brilliant banners of their black-and-white wings.