Tom in Tree in Central Park @ 1961
Last weekend, I wrote and worked on a park bench near Sailboat Lake. I saw a few trees that looked familiar and thought back.
As a boy, I’d climb trees all over Central Park, never looking down, go up as far as I could, then I’d look down. My heart would relocate to the outside of my chest and I’d freeze with fear. My brother, Rory, a half monkey, would climb over me, under me and around me, telling me I was going to fall and die, and then, I’d be sorry. I’d stay up there overlooking the Great Lawn, Sheep Meadow or Literary Walk until Mom a little worried, bored or tired sitting on the bench below would tell Dad, “go get him.”
While Rory continued circling me like I was a prize banana, Dad ascended the height easily as if he was an Indian who’s day job was building expansion bridges over great rivers. Forcefully, he unhinged my arms wrapped around the tree limb I didn’t want to leave. Ever. He’d start down, carrying me like a beer barrel tucked into his chest with his right arm. Back on Earth, he’d say don’t do it again, I’d lie and say OK while Rory giggled above us and Mom shaking her head slowly side to side lit a Marlboro from her soft pack.
Thomas Pryor writes about NYC on his blog “Yorkville: Stoops to Nuts,” and curates a monthly storytelling show at The Cornelia Street Cafe every second Tuesday of the month. His photo book, “River to River: New York Scenes from a Bicycle,” is available through Amazon & YBK Publishers. His current NYC photography exhibit at Yorkville Creperie runs through the end of 2013.
Tree near Sailboat Lake in Central Park
Sailboat Lake
Same Tree, Spooky Angle
