Summer Journal: Trapeze Lesson

At the beginning of the summer, Caitlyn decided she was ready to check out the flying trapeze at circus class. She took three swings and declared herself ready for a full lesson.

Unfortunately, it took all summer for all the right pieces to fall into place for that lesson. And by the time it arrived, she'd gotten herself worked into a state of simultaneous fear and excitement: wanting so badly to fly and terrified to take that first step off the platform. (Not that I can blame her. As much fun as flying looks, I know I'd be scared silly up there. Not to mention I know I don't have the strength needed to do anything except squeak and fall inelegantly into the net.)

It took the full two hours of her class, but Caitlyn finally convinced herself to make the jump.

She starts with her hands on the bar, then - while flying - swings her legs up to hang from her knees. Then it's back to her hands and a back tuck from the bar to the net.

Perhaps we're not there yet, but it won't be long before
She flies through the air with the greatest of ease,
that daring young Caitlyn on the flying trapeze!