The city, awake and energetic at all points of the day. Standing with immense sky-high height and so tall that it seemed as if it reached the clouds. Glistening with the bright lights of numerous windows looking like a myriad of eyes flickering all at once looking at the chaotic movement down below. The buildings reflect everything around them without letting others look within. They have some dark secrets that they hide from others to protect their interior appearances, only wanting others to admire their exterior. When you think of this city, you recognize it by its outside features without getting to know the features of what lie underneath. But still they tread with confidence never lacking certainty. In the city’s vision, the world revolves around it like the organs in the body near the heart. The center of the world, egotistical and making sure everyone knows of its presence. The city moves like they know exactly who they are, making sure that everyone knows who it is. To them other cities are background characters, all just a blur. They’re vibrant but all around know it all, especially when it comes to fashion. Wild and untamed like a jungle in many aspects yet they flow with the essence of their glow. Every stare and admiration by tourists feeds onto their ego and makes them feel like they’re on top, bigger and bigger each time than the universe itself. The tourists flock to them, eyes widened in shock at the immense beauty because they are so talked about and even more incredible in person. There is more to them than the pictures taken by those tourists who eagerly travel around it. Its people are arrogant, rushing unfazed by its doings, and moving all too quickly because they all have somewhere to be. How can a city be so welcoming but at the same time so self-centered? They are constantly changing, shifting, and evolving. Not into better, but into other different things. But like other things, the city has its faults, flaws, and imperfections, those around them know it but they refuse to admit it. The rhythm and velocity are slowly but surely affecting them, they won’t be able to keep up. Their lifestyle will lead to their downfall and so will the world surrounding it. What they fear to discuss and what many deny is that the city day by day is standing on its last leg. Regardless of the “beauty” tourists are blinded by, they truly are disheveled on the inside and this is their reason for not wanting to be fully known. Those living with it know but those that see it from the perspective of a photograph will never be able to tell. It has always been problematic since its beginnings but a continuing rise of issues ensues. Sure things have become different and possibly better for them, but that shouldn’t undermine both the external and internal self disparities within and beyond its look. In time, things crumble. 

Rationale: The inspiration for this story is the city of New York and its elements. Through this work I discuss the external beauty of the city whilst also discussing the internal conflict. This work developed from its original idea to the final draft by starting off as a description of the city’s persona to the flaws and issues that affect it. The challenge that I encountered with this piece was the word count. It was too much for this assignment and I kept pushing for what to write next while also making it sound understandable. I hope that my readers understand that nobody truly knows what’s beneath and to not only go by what’s on the surface level.