I have walked a tightrope for 10 years. As I ponder getting off the tight rope I look down and see no net. I have to walk much further to get to a jumping off point but I’ve slipped. My balance is shaken. I know what I have to do but I am suddenly aware of the audience, hyperfixated on the missing net, distracted by the shows in the 3 rings below, and frozen.
I look up and my wife stands upon my shoulders. A menorah shaped device sits upon her shoulders and holds our five children. If I fall, they fall. I have already placed them at unnecessary risk. Where’s that net?
I try simply to move consistently toward the end of the rope but the ringer master cajoles me for dramatics. Ok. Already I have exceeded my energy reserves. I am tired. Perhaps if I concentrate for a moment and give 120% I can satisfy the ring master, silence the heckler, satiate the audience, fulfill my obligations, and get to the end of the rope.
