London Ropewalker

There is something in common between an artist and a hedge fund manager, between a creator and a banker, between a painter and a stockbroker. No, I am not talking about the fact that at times our craft is so mysterious that it can only be described as art. Nor am I talking about the fact that, as someone said, when artists gather together, they talk about money, while when bankers get together, they talk about art. I am not even talking about the fact that both of our trades presuppose incredibly high risk with an even bigger reward. Our bond is in the fact that we meet high above the ground as rope walkers. The crowd watches and cheers as we gather our balance while trying to traverse the abyss. But deep down in their hearts they want to see us fall. Because that will be the only thing that will justify their cowardice in not taking the first step over the abyss. “Thus, I raise my glass to you, my unknown friend! I will see you on that rope soon! Today the crowd will leave disappointed but enchanted. They will be mesmerized by our ability to stave off the inevitable. I know one day we both will fall. Everyone does. But that will not be today. Not today!”