we'll cross that bridge when we get there . . .

among the many archetypal dreams i have is one based on a childhood memory of seeing a suspension bridge - a big one - being built near runcorn in england. in my memory, the bridge was built from opposite sides of the canal that it was crossing and so there was an essential middle piece missing for some time.

in my dream i have to make my way across that bridge and somehow get from one side to the other. the symbolism is obvious.

sometimes there are bits of bridge jutting out just far enough that i am able to extend myself to grasp a piece of the other side and swing myself over. other times its a run and a leap. regardless, there's that awful deep in the pit of the stomach feeling before, during, and after the event.

today i'm going to share a video from japan of what has to be the most rickety suspension bridge i've ever seen. as i watched the footage, i felt that exact same fear as in the dream and so forced myself to watch the entire video which consists of a person carrying a handi-cam, crossing the bridge. if you have headphones, then put them on to get the never-ending sound of the wind whistling and howling as you look down several hundred feet through a broken plank to the river gorge below!!!