In 1897, Jules Leotard introduced
a new act to his Cirque de Fantastique
so all these years later she can let go.
The bar swings away and as just another
subject to gravity, momentum, karma,
the best she can do is spin and stretch.
The tape (all aerialists have a copy)
shows the great falls—Mexico City 1967,
Alfredo Codona slips from his brother’s grasp.
Detroit 1962, Wallenda Pyramid collapses.
Paris 1954, The Amazing Van der Wertz
inexplicably releases on the back swing
lands in the crowd,
kills self and a 6 year old boy.
Real trapeze artists do not pray (their glory
is not God’s) nor do they believe in the net—
only will and hubris enable this most
unnatural act. Her only thought,
while hanging suspended in our awe,
is that her leotard
sparkle like every young girl’s dream.
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