tightrope

About

Inspired by the song “Tightrope” from The Greatest Showman:

“High in the sky
We can see the whole world down below
We're walking the tightrope
Never sure, never know how far we could fall
But it's all an adventure
That comes with a breathtaking view
Walking the tightrope with you”

One of Hwee Chieh’s favourite movies, inspiring and impactful, she remembers sharing this special time with her partner in 2017. Every once in a while this song appears in their playlist, never failing to bring a smile across their faces.

How would someone describe their life's journey? Surely a phrase or a word cannot be enough. But “walking a tightrope” resonates with Hwee Chieh. Stepping on the rope itself requires tremendous resolve. Balancing oneself, amidst fear, anxiety and uncertainty, without falling, is no easy feat. Resisting the urge to look back, or to look down, however tempting that may be, is an endless struggle. This is a lonely journey. But can two share that loneliness, or would an extra weight snap the rope?

Regardless of the answer, she has decided to embark on this journey, and has found someone that has been walking his tightrope. Together, they advance, bolstering each other as the storm emerges and the wind blows, caring for one another and making sure they don’t slip.

Perhaps, the journey will always be tough. But without risk there’s no reward, without sacrifice there can be no growth, without tension there’s no strength. A uniquely human aspect of life, perhaps such duality is what allows human flourishing. A wistful yearning for a taste of sublime, perhaps, is what makes us human.

—written by Zack Chua