Finding the Balance Point

Leaving the Speicherstadt loading docks behind, I padded across the canal footbridge to Grasbrookpark and halted before a low seesaw beam carved from thick oak. Hopping onto the grounded end, I began an unhurried march up the rising timber incline. Step by deliberate step, the plank began to level out beneath my chunky sneakers. Right above the central steel axle, I paused, rocking gently in mid-air while keeping my tall peak perfectly centered. One careful nudge forward with my right toe, and the heavy beam tipped smoothly down, kissing the rubber stop with a deep, muffled thud. I spun cleanly on my soles, ready to walk the seesaw back.