A Tightrope Poet of the Impossible

Gio Clairval is an Italian-born writer who lives in Paris.

Yesterday, the road seemed too difficult and tiredness threatened with a feeling of void. I said to myself, "Why have I chosen the trade of writing–this hard journey?" Then I heard the words of Philippe Petit, high-wire walker (but he prefers to call himself 'tightrope walker')—an interview aired by the Italian TV channel, RAI3, and I found his answers inspiring.

I'd like to dedicate these words to Jeff, who is reaching the end of his b...