If You Can Make It in New York…

45 Replies

PHOTO PROMPT ©Jill Wisoff

I listened to the siren call of the big city, joined the huddled masses looking for their big break.  It’s hard to be heard over the cacophony.

The bums around me with their wine soaked dreams, did they once too search out the bright lights?  Broadway is that blur over there.

Someone swiped my trumpet.  Probably pawned it to buy a fix.  The Empire State Building sees all, but won’t give it up.

So I don’t care about that friend of your uncle who is looking for players, right now I only want to make it out of New York.

Word count = 100

Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.  This week’s prompt is here and uses a photo provided by © Jill Wisoff.  Read more or join in by following the InLinkz “linky“.

45 thoughts on “If You Can Make It in New York…”

    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Thanks Diana. The first thing I thought when I saw that photo was the phrase “If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere”, only seen from the vantage point of the photo, it didn’t look like anyone was making it, at least not in show business.

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Your right, he does need to re-find himself and work from what he has. The entertainment industry in NYC isn’t kind to a lot of people so he shouldn’t take it too personally.

      Thanks, Fatima.

      Like

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  9. jillyfunnell

    So sad his trumpet was stolen, lost in the crowds and noise of the city, as he is. He needs to go home and be a big fish in a small pond. Not everyone who makes it is happy, as we well know.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      I agree. It is usually better to become a success someplace else and build on it (or even be content with lesser success) than move to the big city and try to be an overnight sensation.

      Liked by 1 person

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  10. pennygadd51

    Maybe the problem lies in how we define success? For example, active writers for Friday Fictioneers are all successful writers in that their writing gives pleasure to others.
    I enjoyed your story, Trent, and I hope your character succeeds in the sense of giving pleasure to others through his music – and I’m sure he will!

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Thanks. I’m usually pretty optimistic on these FF prompts,but have a dark side… I will be going through all of the stories later so am sure I’ll hit yours.

      Like

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      There is a certain appeal to the big city, but I’m not going to move their any time soon, and definitely won’t give up everything for the off chance of achieving some type of success there.

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Yes, it is. In the US there are a handful, like NY and LA, that are worse than others, but I know around the world there are many entertainment meccas that pull people in.

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      The city doesn’t care about individuals. Better to satisfy your dreams someplace else and attempt it already being successful instead of starting there trying to find the success…

      Like

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      I think LA is similar – every waiter or waitress is an actor just waiting for his or her chance. So many want to make it and so few can… Thanks.

      Like

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  19. Courtney Wright

    The song “Broadway” by George Benson comes to mind.. “when you’re walkin’ down that street, and you ain’t had enough to eat, the glitter falls right off and you’re nowhere…” Well done! :-)

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      I think so. Actually, I had NYC from the late 70s/early 80s in mind when I wrote this. The city is much cleaner, much less violent and much nicer now. I still wouldn’t give up everything in the vain hope of “making it” in NY!

      Liked by 1 person

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