Mandy Billings asked me this morning what I was afraid of. Since I am a man among men, there isn’t much that I fear. Except the dreaded scourge that plagues the streets of this great country. Manholes. I’m sure it’s not an eighth as bad as I remember it. Here’s the story as I remember it.
A young, handsome Frank Rizzo spends a warm sun filled day at the Oakland Community swimming pool, after hours of healthy vitamin D and fun with friends, Frank decided to call it a successful day and cut out of the fun a little early so he can get home and help with chores and yard work. As our hero sets off on his journey, bouncing with the confidence and joy a young man who hasn’t a clue as to what is about to happen to him…
Young Frank walks along his path, and he sees a sight that he cannot believe, a water nymph, as beautiful as he has ever seen, beckons Frank to stray from his path. Usually Frank, who is pure of heart, would never wander from the trail, but the nymph was tempting and very convincing as she presented gifts of sweets and shiny trinkets, Frank could not resist.
Three steps of the path and Frank knew he had made a mistake, he tried to turn and run but he could not. He could, however, feel the sensation that he was falling. With his mongoose like speed and reflexes he stopped himself before slipping into what he could only assume was a bottomless pit of darkness. As shadowy clawed hands pulled at him, Frank knew what he had to do. With all the strength he could muster, Frank pulled himself to safety.
Though he escaped the darkness and being lost forever, he was unable to escape injury. Our hero had a gash in his leg, he had to make a decision, walk for help, wait for death or cry. He chose crying and walking.