Amy had loved heights from ever since she was a little lump in her papa’s arms. People never believe that she has memories of seeing the world from great heights before her first birthday. But she remembers being strapped to her father’s chest and watching the world pass by as they walked down the shady east Toronto streets. Pops was 6’4″ so she spent the first years enjoying an elevated vantage point. But Amy didn’t inherit the height gene, maxing out at 5’6″.
She always thinks of her Pops when she’s climbing the ladder to the highest board. Thinking of him makes her feel safe. She does not think of her mom who disapproves of her “daredevil lifestyle”. The irony is Amy’s mom put her on the path to become a trapeze artist when she forced her into gymnastics. She was trying to distract her from the skateboards and other activities that involved moving at high speeds without brakes. Amy loved the thrill of propelling her body through the air so she kept up with the gymnastics. But life changed when she discovered the silks and aerial dance. The trapeze was just a natural progression.
Her Pops never saw her fly but every time Amy reaches for the fly bar she sends a little prayer out to him. He kept her safe in the beginning and she trusts that at such great heights he’s always there to protect her.
8 min at my desk on 2.26.13, inspired by a man carrying his infant daughter in Leslieville, TO
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