Small Town Anomaly

His Christian name was Richard, known to everyone in our small town as Dick. The locals thought nothing of seeing Dick all around town. It was only the tourist that rubbernecked at the only stoplight in town as they headed to Myrtle Beach. You see, Dick was born with no legs. His torso stopped at his waistline

Dick would navigate the sidewalks using small paddles for maneuvering his skateboard. His movements were as fluid as the famous skateboarder Tony Hawk. To the locals it was not his birth defect that was unusal, it was his exceptional talent as a window painter. If this form of talent had ever been categorized, Dick would have been as famous as Andy Warhol.( famous painter of Marilyn Monroe and Prince). In order for Dick to be able to center the lettering for a window he had small pallets that acted as scaffolding which he could climb like a skilled gymnest. For those passing through town that might stop for Cox’s Hamburgers or peep into Azzie’s Barber Shop they were amazed at his talents. Dick was very eccentric usually from a hangover from his love of moonshine. He would growl at on lookers, ” What is the big deal with all the staring, never seen an artist at work”. And of course there would be a few expletives thrown in for effect. His only trademark was the small D.H. painted in the last letter on the window. Dick and his wife only lived in our town for six months a year. The rest of the year they traveled the South with a carnival.

When I was in the eighth grade one of the highlights was the annual trip to the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh. As me and three of my bud’s strolled the midway, the marquee at the large tent advertised, ” see the siamese twins, the sword swallower, tatoo lady ( Dick’s wife), seven foot giant, bearded lady and other freaks of nature.” for the small admission of twenty-five cents. Halfway through the sideshow we came upon the “man with no legs”. As we approached Dick he smilled ,” Hey boys, how are things in the Boro?” We just replied, ” Good Dick, when will you be coming home?” He said, ” Probably September”.

As we exited the tent we began to laugh. We had just spent twenty-five cents to see Dick H. our hometown anomaly.

Be safe.