Queen of the Mist

Annie Edson Taylor was an American

schoolteacher who, on her 63rd birthday,

October 24, 1901, became the first person

to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

Her motives were financial but she never made

much money from her adventure. She died 

penniless and her funeral was paid for by public

donations. At first I wondered what in the world

she was up to, but when I saw that her motives

were financial I became very sad and understanding.

I can see my own barrel and I can see the barrel 

of others and I can see how a Niagara Falls looms

for everyone. Oh Annie what the hell were you

thinking? You were probably so scared and

determined. What are we supposed to learn

from you? I see all the pieces at play but 

I have no idea how to put them together. 

I just keep seeing you going over the Falls.