Chloe Cross

IIH Original Piece of Writing

15 February 2016
A Balancing Act
An image, a song, a messageall of these things are interpreted differently based on an
individuals experiences in life. It is important to respect what everyone sees, but it is equally
important to explore what it means to you. All meaningful and particularly interesting pieces of
art have a deeper layer that must be explored in order to fully appreciate its worth. In the image
provided, my life experiences and base of knowledge allow me to interpret couple of different
details about the carrying pole supported by this man to determine that this is an image of a
balancing act.
The first striking comparison that comes to ones mind when attempting to
explain this image is one between the carrying pole and the power lines. The carrying pole is a
tool that one does not often see used around America and is something that would be considered
an outdated way of transporting goods. In this image, on either end of the carrying pole is a small
home with a pond which the pole is in a way connecting. It is demonstrating the old way of
transporting large quantities of water to a household. Once the eye has been drawn to this way of
transporting, it can then move on to examine the background and notice the powerlines there.
The powerlines are a symbol of the way the modern world gets items back and forth. For
example, with the flick of a switch one can light a room instantaneously, or just by turning a
knob, water flows into a home. In the United States, it is not necessary to walk to the nearest
stream to collect water and return home just to do the same thing again the next day. This is an
example of a way mankind has taken a concept and used the technology available to develop a
more efficient way of undertaking the transportation of water and power.

Moreover, there are multiple examples of ways mankind have, throughout the ages, gone
through so many stages of growth, development, and enlightenment. Sometimes though, one has
to wonder what wonderful practices have been left behind while many counties are jumping on
the fast track and modernizing everything. In this image, the carrying pole the man is supporting
symbolizes a balance, and the man, representing all of mankind, is performing a balancing act.
The carrying pole and the mans garb are a throwback to a time far in history, yet one cannot help
but notice the power lines that are plaguing the background of the scenery and are forming a
contrast that makes one reflect on the past and the modern day. The puddles beneath the mans
feet are the past and the future. In order not to lose all of the wisdom and beautiful practices from
the past, mankind still needs to pull from the pool or puddle in this caseof past
knowledge. However at the same time, people must learn from that knowledge of the past and
use the tools in front of them today to progress and better themselves and the earth around them.
It is important to balance taking the good from the past and finding good in the future.
Furthermore, one cannot help but notice that the carrying stick is attached to the ground
which is not the way this tool was traditionally used. This along with the mans clothing allow
one to see a common theme of staying in touch with your roots and remaining grounded. The
man is not wearing anything to keep the bare souls of his feet from touching the ground and is
wearing clothing that fits in more with the carrying pole than with the power lines. This man is
being portrayed as being in touch with his roots and the earth below him, and he is able to carry
the weight of the world on his shoulders. This is why he is the one performing the balancing act
and pulling from the pools of knowledge surrounding him.
In conclusion, this image could be interpreted in many different ways based on the person
and their background. For me, I explain this image as a balancing act. I feel that this image

stresses the importance of pulling from the past to make decisions in the future. The carrying
stick contrasting with the power lines in the background are one example of how far mankind has
come. While the entire image pulls elements from the past and present together in perfect
harmony. It demonstrates that it is important to keep in touch with your roots, to stay grounded,
and to use the past to make decisions about the futurethe perfect balancing act.