When I reflect on my earlier years, I cannot forget the evening I stumbled upon the Big Top Circus. I had always envisioned myself dazzling audiences as an acrobat. Well, this night stood out even more than I had hoped. The moon cast a radiant light over the colorful tents, and a diverse crowd of families and children eagerly awaited the show.
As I approached, parents inquired about tickets while excited kids tugged at their arms. I could hear the distant sounds of jazzy music and the eloquent voice of the circus Master. While everyone was focused on getting in, my attention was captured by a young girl appearing to be my age, gracefully performing stunning acrobatic tricks and dances near the entrance. I knew I simply had to join her.
As the tent flap opened, I accompanied a chirpy woman in charge of shooting confetti from a cannon into the audience. Once the tent was filled with an astonishing array of colors, and the audience settled, I felt a light tap on my shoulder. I turned to see a mean-looking man who appeared to be the ringmaster. He appraised me from head to toe and stated, “We’ve got an empty spot to fill. Do you have any idea how to perform acrobatics?”
I swelled with excitement and courageously replied, “Absolutely, I can perform acrobatics!” As I did this, the circus audience erupted in laughter.
“You didn’t hear me,” he retorted angrily. “No laughing matter! We’ve lost our lead performer to injury. I require you to execute twelve somersaults in one breath!”
With that, he ridiculed me by swinging around while mimicking the act. The audience cheered and bounced in approval. Seeing them laugh was more painful than the ringmaster’s taunts. My spirits plummeted as I thought this was my one chance to join the circus.
Beside me stood the girl who had performed outside. She patted my shoulder softly. “Don’t fret,” she said, “show them what you can do. I shall assist you.”
“Do you genuinely think so?” I asked her with hope.
“Vividly!” she affirmed with a warm smile.
Then she grasped my hand, guided me to the center of the ring, and prompted, “Just let go and act naturally! The audience will adore you!”
So to the middle of the ring I strode. The audience buzz quieted down while the ringmaster sneered. Disregarding my initial anxiety, I gracefully leapt and tumbled to the music’s rhythm as it enveloped me, reverberating from every corner of the tent.
Seized in the music with the girl there performing alongside me, it was as though I had danced on air. After I finished—breathless and glowing—the audience erupted in applause, and I curtsied gracefully. The ringmaster scowled, observing his empty seats, then when he set his sights on me and the other girl laughing, he had no other option than to applaud reluctantly.
“Very good!” he commended. “Now, if I could have twelve performers execute these very maneuvers about the tent, we might stand a chance of entertaining a few old women!”
With that, he dismissed himself. The audience laughed again, and the colorful flags streamed above us.
Volunteers emerged from the audience, and together we danced as though we had rehearsed for a lifetime—acrobats, clowns, a woman from the orchestra, and even a farmer’s daughter who just appeared to be passing by. These delightful good-humored people couldn’t help themselves.
I overheard women saying, “Well, if I had only known, I would have brought my French beans in Mrs. Towser’s handbag like that woman.” However, no doubt Mrs. Towser would swiftly give her a piece of her mind!
The atmosphere was electric, and by the end of our act, everyone else was in high spirits.
“We shall have a grand show tonight!” one juggler exclaimed joyously.
And so we did. The ringmaster congratulated me and offered, “I shall make your fate my own. You could even replace me as ringmaster upon my retirement!” At that point, I had no inkling of what lie ahead, nor could I ever have envisioned what an incredible life filled with excitement was just beginning!