The way we were

I think this may sound as though I’m being circled by the black dog again but I’m not.  I remain hopeful.  But my sanguine cynic is saying how different things are and are going to be for a long time. The way we were may never come back.  As I tell this story that you may have heard before, you may have watched before, try, as I have, to replay it under the new post-Covid rules of social engagement. My favourite closeup magic involves a child, a silver dollar, a small pink silk and a crystal. I love/loved (how the addition of that final 'd' feels so portentous) performing the routine, often to a wonderful and evocative piece of music by Nick Webb of Acoustic Alchemy, called 'Positive Thinking.' A song for our times indeed.  A lot happens in the routine in less than four minutes.  There was a hidden story and the props themselves spoke as they changed, appeared and disappeared, from empty hands back to empty hands.  It was a story without words and the child was made central to its plot, witnessed by the audience.  I was proud of the routine which developed and grew over many years.  I performed it with a child stepping up into the arena with me and a very close, unspoken relationship grew between us which was key to its success.  We breathed the same air and occasionally touched as I guided her hands to join me in the magic. Choosing the right child was central and was usually a girl, though not always. Shy children were always preferred as there was an opportunity for them to grow within the experience.  Someone wrote to me about watching the routine and although I have quoted it in a previous blog chapter, here is that review again: ‘We witnessed and felt a moment of pure magic during the Malpas Yesteryear Rally this year and I am writing to you because it occurred during your final show of the weekend. At the start of this performance of your close up magic with coin, crystal ball and handkerchief you chose a little girl to assist you. It was a silent performance so I don't think we ever knew her name. The moment that little crystal vanished and the sadness on your face at its loss we were both drawn to this little girl. The sadness she shared and worry for you was palpable and in all honesty from that moment I'm not entirely sure what magic you were performing as I was, without exception, captured by the absolute focus on her face. This changed from worry to concentration and hope then wonder when she was guided to waggle her fingers in the direction of your closed hand and then she realised she was going to be part of the actual real life magic and make something appear from nothing. No words will ever be able to express that expression we saw but it is something that I believe will always stay with us and I'm not ashamed to say that along with goosebumps we both welled up a little at how adorable this moment was. We are convinced that she will go on to have a fondness in her heart for magic for the rest of her days and quite possibly will