"I never thought of myself as a New York poet or as an American poet"

Kenneth Koch's quote speaks to the idea of identity and how it can be shaped by one's environment. He is suggesting that he does not feel limited by his geographical place or nationality, however instead sees himself as a poet who goes beyond these limits. He is suggesting that he does not feel the requirement to be defined by his place of origin or the nation he resides in. Rather, he is focused on his craft and the art of poetry, which is universal and can be valued by people from all walks of life. Koch's quote is a pointer that we ought to not be confined by our backgrounds, but rather strive to develop something that is meaningful and classic.