creative writing
Here it is, a photo of the roller coast which is called The Cyclone, at Coney Island. I don't believe the picture does it justice.
Below, you'll find a video which my daughter Emma and her children think is hilarious, about my adventure on a roller-coaster called The Cyclone at Coney Island, New York City. Coney Island is one of the most famous amusement parts in the United States and is quite close to Brooklyn, where Emma and her family live.
I was visiting for a few weeks. Emma and her husband decided to take me for another Coney Island visit. There did seem to be a big focus on The Cyclone in their conversations as we drove there. In hindsight, you’ll see I was being set up.
The short Italian cook running around in the background is my grandson.
I don’t recommend that you ride on The Cyclone. It rattles with old timber planks and loose bolts, and I spent the whole ride – which took an hour or two? – holding on with white knuckles and aching feet (because I had to hold on with my feet, too) praying that I wouldn’t fly out or otherwise die prematurely on a rollercoaster ride, a serious risk even though I felt I still had a lot to give. My daughter laughed and screamed merrily by my side. She told me afterwards that I kept muttering ‘no, no, no’ over and over as I tried to breathe. Very funny. I kept my eyes closed the whole time, which they only told me later isn’t the right technique.
In my spiritual practice I aim to let go in trust in the face of huge and unexpected life events, I aim to live with authenticity, live with integrity, accepting that a lot is out of my control, doing my best to live a life of meaning and to find an abundance of joy in the present moment.
I was completely unable to extend this practice to The Cyclone.
Brooklyn, 21 April 2023
