i'm leaving on a jet plane
I applied to be an intern at the the children’s theatre.
the place where my dreams began.
i was hired.
i started the month after i graduated. at this point, i had decided that new york city was where i would end up.
i would talk about it to all my friends.
“i’m moving to new york city!” i would say.
“when?” they would look at me suspiciously.
“uh, i don’t know. soon.” i’d say back.
i didn’t decided to actually act on this dream until december. i remember sweeping the stage after a show.
the stage lights were still on. i stopped center stage and looked out to the empty theater. the lights shining in my face.
i clutched the broom tight. i did this little dance number with the broom.
turn. leap. turn. arms up. head up. turn again.
i used the broom like it was a person.
out of breath- i sit down on the stage.
someone turns out the stage lights. the work lights are on.
i think. is it time? is it time to do this? i mean, why not?.
i went home that night and told my parents that i was ready to move.
i gave the theater notice.
i booked my one way flight.
february 6. 2001.
that was the day i would take everything that i owned to new york city.
i was 18.