From my seven-part poem "SALIGIA" (Superbia, Acedia, Luxuria, Invidia, Gula, Ira, Avaritia - Pride, Sloth, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Anger, Greed), first published in my second book, Glad and Sorry Seasons.
Superbia
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| Charles Blondin crossing the Niagara River in 1859 |
The French funambulist of world renown
has come to carry out his daring act.
A swarm of tourists overruns the town;
bets are placed, escarpment benches packed.
Two hundred feet atop the misty pit,
with unaffected ease and nimble tread,
he sends the anxious crowd into a fit
of frenzy, tumbling, standing on his head.
The Great Blondin requests a volunteer
to piggyback across . . . a sudden hush
descends, betraying both desire and fear.
Tant pis!, he teases, perched above the rush
of raging water, waving to us all.
We hold our breath . . . and wait for him to fall.
(Niagara Falls, 1859)
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