| A TWICE WEEKLY SERIAL OF BIG TOP FOLK BY
SIMON PARKE |
|
EPISODE 8
THE RISK TAKERS
Georgio, the pudge-faced contortionist, is becoming irritated:
"I think we're all getting rather bored," he says, as Ted checks and double-checks the harnesses and rigging. "As bored as bored can be!"
"If you don't do it right, you don't do it at all," says Ted, the circus handyman.
It is an Open Day at Burt Turtle's Big Top, when punters can come in and try their hand at the skills. Georgio is in charge of the trapeze, and has a good crowd of wannabees. Ted is working to make everything safe.
"I'm here to confront my fears," says Lucy, one of the visitors. "Letting go of one trapeze and flying through the air to another is – well, just the worst thing I could ever do, like totally! It's so not me! And that's why, like, I've really just got to do it! Crazy!"
Georgio is a fine trapeze artist; but Ted is raining on his parade. After all, he is the leader here; the showman with an audience.
"You're getting in the way, old man!" he says. "We'll soon have to call you Tiresome Ted! Give the risk takers their head, for God's sake!"
Satisfied with his work, Ted packs up his gear and makes to leave.
"About time!" says Georgio, playing to the crowd like an excited little boy.
Ted stops and turns:
"Do you know what I find, young sir?"
"What do you find, Tiresome Ted?!"
"I find that when people feel safe – they'll risk everything."
"So?"
"So the wise first help people to safety. And then watch them fly. Good day to you."
More clowning around |
