At A Glance
Author	Wormy
Contact	wormboy_1313@hotmail.com
IAM	wormy
When	A week ago
Artist	Vampy and Sarge
Studio	2nd metal fatigue SUScon
Location	Norwich

"Are you ready wormy?"
"Sure." I nod.
"Take a deep breath in....and relax."
The first two of six needles penetrate the upper layer of skin. The needles are sharp. They take my breath away but don't hurt. Good. I feel them simultaneously track their way through the folded flesh of my back. Smoothly they move. Gliding effortlessly.

A little force and they are out the other side. Two shiny, curving hooks appear and are worked through. They remain in my skin, a part of me, a temporary part of my body. No blood is spilled.

I look up smiling, greeted by further grins and bared teeth. Twiggy congratulates me on how quick I was.
"Ready for the next one?" It's Vampy.
"Sure." I nod again.

Sarge picks up more needles. More hooks. The second ones pinch, but are bearable. Two more shiny hooks join the first. A quick drink clears the frog in my throat before carrying on with two more.
A suicide suspension. Not as aesthetically pleasing as a crucifix. Not as hardcore as a knee, but my first. Virginal.

I meander to the rig, posing for pictures, praise and questions, and I search for Grenade, Nuff, Gretel, John, more of the people I wanted round me. My friends. My IAM family. The people who can share my experience, live my pain, feel my pleasure, understand my fear and appreciate my enjoyment.

Vampy attaches my new appendage to the rig. We discuss the ins and outs of taking off. I decide to opt for the, 'pacing backwards and forwards manoeuvre,' rather than the more abrupt, 'Yank me off the floor in one foul swoop,' technique.

I feel almost antisocial with my back to the crowd, but in the same way, it seems to make it more personal, drawing me into myself to help me understand how I am feeling. Vampy and myself. The only people in the world for those few seconds. Her gloved hands help to tempt me into a merry dance, as, gently, delicately, Nuff takes in the rope.

Backwards and forwards, I rock, the rig ever tightening. The supple skin slowly starts to pull away from my ribs. It starts to burn, but it's nice. My pace starts to quicken, and the volume of air between my heels and the floor slowly increases.

Then came the most amazing second of my life. The final step. One more climactic breath and the floor leaves.

You fly. It is silent. Surreal. Amazing.

And then there comes noise. Cheers and clapping. Back in the company of friends. Swinging some, spinning some and talking. Holding a conversation like it is normal to be suspended from hooks. In that moment, with that group of people, it is normal, and good. Smiling, nay, grinning inanely.

How the time is distorted when you are flying. In reality, twenty minutes pass. In the air, in my brain, the time does not move. It is suspended like my body. But it is also fast and erratic, like that part of you that is set free by the suspension. The soul, the spirit, the id, the mind, whatever. That thing that is running around like a small child, screaming at the top of its voice that, 'This is the best thing ever!!'

Back in the real world, the lovely Net arrives, after risking life and limb in the hands of a maniac taxi driver, just to see me suspend.

I wanted to push my body and tried to lift this little lady from the floor. I knew I could do it. But this was the point where the mental out did the physical. As the hooks started to bend under the extra pressure, I put Net down to earth, and decided that my ride was more or less over.

I was lowered slowly. (before being lifted and lowered again – don't ask..) My tiptoes had bolts of electricity flowing through them as they tickled the concrete. I felt massively heavy after my flight, and off balance from the changed centre of gravity. I began to fall back, but friendly hands righted me, unclipped me, and ushered me back to the piercing area for one of the best massages in the world!

The small amount of blood was cleaned, and the air under my skin removed. Beer was drunk and the weekend had begun in the most amazing way possible. Now all that remains are twelve tiny scabs, and the memory.

Well that as they say is about it. My first experience. My first suspension.
I would like to say a huge thank you to Vampy and Sarge, without whom the whole weekend would not have been possible. You two are the best! Also big thanks to all the people who were present at my suspension for making it an amazing, unforgettable experience, Grebbs for filming, and special thanks to Net for rushing to be there! If I'd have known I would've waited!!
The family atmosphere was truly amazing the whole weekend, and I cant wait for our next little outing. :)