Salim Reshamwala

What we had then, we cannot really call that a bridge.

The first thing I crossed was just a wooden crossing, or partke.

Partke was made from a tree log and laid out along the river for people to cross.

The other kinds were made by tying bamboos together and sprawled out as river crossings.

These were temporary structures and could be used only during the dry winter months, but they would be swept away by the floods during monsoon season.

This was how I was introduced to bridges.

I mean, I'm not sure I would have known to call that a bridge either.

Bamboo tied together, disappearing every season.

It's so ephemeral and not a thing to be crossed casually.

But even as bridges get stronger, even on a sturdier wire bridge, how do people even get their mind right to cross?

The first metal wire suspension bridges, which replaced the wooden and bamboo crossings, were extremely shaky.

You needed to catch the rhythm of the bridge's sway to be able to walk on it.

The bridge sways on its own rhythm, but that rhythm is created by the impact of our feet on it.

It almost creates a musicality.

It is obviously scary at first, but eventually you get used to the rhythm of the sway.

So, if you catch the rhythm of the bridge, you will cross easily.

But if you fail to catch the rhythm, then you might not be able to move and might have to crouch down in the middle and you can never overcome the fear.

The first time you step on it, you're of course scared.

Scared of falling off.

Scared even of dying.