Going to New York City

to shadow my hallucination of making it big.
Leaving my ho-hum suburb for a chance,
leaving the people I thought I trusted behind.

They are laughing at me for
leaving to go to New York City:
“Why would anyone want to live
there,” giving me a startling glare

thinking I’m deranged and possibly
dangerous for wanting New York.
All the more reason I want to go--to show them.
I’m leaving for the inclination

to pursue a risk in the hope
of a favorable outcome.
I only wish, I really wish
I were going to New York City.