Self Portrait As New York City Poem by Derek Ouyang

I am the skyline
As far as your eyes can see
Hold me
In your arms, from your distant vantage point
If only through a trick of perspective
Because in fact,
The way you see me now,
Remember me later,
Will always be from far away

Approaching on a boat
From the home you've left behind
Wondering if I can be
Something more,
Yes at the same time replace something dear to you
But I am not my own
I am city blocks and skycrapers
For the masses to fill with their memories
I am brick alleyways and concrete tunnels
For ambitions to be lost and dreams to be forgotten
So what can I possibly promise you

I did not design me
Others did, and you will, too
But nobody stays forever