Walking and the Circus

These are three shorter assignments from Mom's spring 1992 writing class. The first two, a paragraph each, seemed too short to post alone, so I've included them here.

The two paragraphs deal with walking, either Mom walking to her car over a sky walk from work, or simply people walking. The third, longer entry, deals with more than simple walking, it deals with the circus.

The photo is of Mom walking with me on a family trip to Chicago in 1985.

Walking across the sky walk, after the day's work is done, I pause a few minutes to view the world below. The cars and trucks zooming under me give me the feeling they will hit me, pigeons darting in and out of the ramp, snow settling gently on the bus stop shelter - these things make a dull walk to the car more interesting and I'm grateful to be safe and dry under the protected roof.
Connie, April 7, 1992

Walking is so normal for most people. For some of us, who are handicapped in some manner, it can be very difficult. Whatever the reason, disease, an accident, a birth defect - mastering the mechanics of plain walking may be impossible. There are many aides to help the handicapped individual to walk: crutches of all kinds are available; walkers also help get a newly handicapped individual get started; braces of all types suit individual needs. Designing artificial limbs is an exact science. An amputee who has a properly fitted limb can walk so well you may not even realize he has one. Yes, simple walking can be difficult for some people.
Connie, March 31, 1992

There is nothing like a circus to bring out the child in all of us. The wide eyes staring at the acrobat flying high on the trapeze, the animals growling in their cages, and the clowns making everyone laugh - every act is wonderfully entertaining.

First in the center ring are the acrobats in their colorful costumes, flying high from swing to swing. The catches are unbelievable and without a net. Some acrobats are on the ground, jumping on the trampoline doing unique jumps and somersaults. A high-wire walker also tries to juggle. Amazing how they can stay up there. Their balance is perfect, their nerves superb, their courage unmatched. The excitement of it all!

Next, the animals prance into the ring. A beautiful girl in her bright, royal-like costume rides high on the huge elephant with a baby elephant alongside. The huge animal is ever so gentle with the young lady, lifting her high above his head like she is a toothpick. The big cats take center stage in a round cage. The lovely trainer cracks her whip, talking to her cats. They jump through hoops on command, climbing back on their pedestals. The trained horses run around the ring with a young lady balancing on top of the horse. She is standing, even walking on the horse's back. The smaller animals are cutest, as the dogs in their little outfits are put through their paces, climbing ladders, jumping through hoops, dancing on their hind legs. What entertaining and lasting images.

Finally, the clowns of all kinds are intertwined into the program. The bum comes out in his old car as it breaks down in front of the stands. As it spits and sputters, he overreacts to noises, pulling out a grease rag, that never ends, to fix it. It is amazing what is hidden in the car. Then a group of clowns fight and carry on, pulling off wigs, clothes, makeup. Their antics make everyone laugh.

A circus is a must for children of all ages to attend several times in life. It is a performance by talented people who put their "all" into each performance. I admire these people who live in the world of the circus.
Connie, Feb. 16, 1992