The Man Who Climbed Stairs, (2)

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(Northampton Skyline)

There has always been an outdoor cafe of one kind or another near the corner of Masonic and Main Streets in Northampton. The man who had finally mastered the stairs of the library would often go into that cafe, order a glass of water, and then sit for an hour or two at a table outside, resting from his labors. But his restless spirit needed a new challenge and the summer after his triumph at the library he appeared at the cafe with a bicycle. He didn’t ride the bicycle to the cafe, he walked to town next to it, guiding it with one hand by the seat, and the other by the handle grip. Periodically, on his journey from the Hospital to the town, he would attempt to mount the bicycle, coast uncertainly for a few yards with one foot on the pedal and the other wavering in circles in the air. Then he would jump off and resume walking. At the cafe he would sit drinking his water staring fixedly at the bike locked securely to a pole just four feet from his face. He would even interrupt his enjoyment of his water to unlock the bike and attempt to ride it.

Needless to say this man’s struggles now became a matter of public notice. The clientele of the cafe were regulars and so they became witnesses to this old crazy man's repeated attempts to ride the bicycle. At first it was really impossible not to laugh at him, but after many weeks and months it became obvious that he brought more dedication and single mindedness of purpose to his task, than we did to ours, what ever ours might have been. He was like a monk or an ascetic, while we were just lay people without any real convictions or ambitions.

As that summer drew to a close, one day, inevitably, he got himself onto the seat of the bicycle, began to pedal, and drove off wavering down the sidewalk. Involuntarily we got to our feet and began to cheer for him. Word spread quickly inside the cafe, and people came rushing out hoping to catch a glimpse of him in the distance. Everyone was cheering and clapping, and I couldn’t help but notice that some people had unexpected tears in their eyes.

That was many years ago. There is still a cafe at the corner of Masonic and Main Streets, but the Northampto State Mental Hospital is closed, and the Library has been remodeled. Where the stairs to the stacks were there is now an office. By now the man who climbed the stairs has gone on to meet his maker, where, if there is recognition for diligence and determination, I am sure he takes his place in front of many an illustrious personage.

Dimensions: 7.5” x 10.75”
Materials: Terra Cotta wax pencil on painted and prepared paper. The dints and textures are intentional
Signature: Across the bottom, Richard Britell, August 20, 2002