Trip #42 Bryn Mawr Street to Clarissa Street, Upper Hill, Pittsburgh took place on October 1, 2017, and was published on October 9, 2017.
Cracked open. When you’re closed up tight, the slightest bit of connection can break it apart. The facade shatters, like glass. Bits of shiny reflections scattered on the ground. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a sign of politeness, a natural kindness that puts the vessel in motion, tumbling down, breaking apart. I look at the glass on the stairs; I feel its brokenness. But I won’t be here forever; I won’t be here for long. The machinery that propels everything forward can switch gears, run backward in slow motion, recapture the lost energy, pull the broken bits back into the whole, seamless. I can put it back together again. I will.
Field Notes: This one was easier to find on foot – drive right by it TWICE yesterday! Super quiet area, even though it’s only a block or two away from the abandoned row houses.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
See the Risograph print of this photo and story in the Mis.Steps Shop.
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling. If the location has an abundance of illegal dumping and trash, also contact Allegheny Cleanways, letting them know the location and the nature of the garbage. Thank you!!
