in Chicago this morning
sitting in my hotel room
on the telephone
with the airline
on hold

had a great time here
but i need to leave
before the forecast snow

would love to be here
and walk through
Millennium Park
while flakes are falling

then stroll across
Lakeshore drive
to see if i can see
ripples in Lake Michigan

who knows
i may just take
a low intensity hike
to the end of the Navy Pier

no concerns for slipping
i did bring hiking shoes
the service rep answers
no can do on leaving early

i call the front desk
i ask the clerk,
“extend my stay please
for another night”

i reach into my suitcase
pull out my shoe bag
gaze at my low cut hikers
and i smile