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Piece Description
Writer and commentator Rawlins Gilliland looks back on a recent experience in Dallas that helped him to overcome some of his fears.
Broadcast History
"Scared to Death" aired 4/17/2008 during "Morning Edition" on KERA 90.1 FM.
Transcript
Last fall while walking into the woods, I realized to my horror that just ahead, on a chalkstone mesa, was a huge black snake perched with its mouth open as if ready to strike. Watching from afar for several minutes, it appeared immobile. I decided it was dead. Dead or not, I'm scared of snakes and this one was enormous although undoubtedly harmless. Seeing this snake daily was inevitable if I was going to access my favorite parts of the forest. So I took to putting my hand over my face to shield the sight as I passed.
Out of the corner of my eye I could sense its presence. I dreaded approaching that spot, hoping it had begun to decay and then disappear. But week after week after week, when I peeked, it was still there. Finally I refused to allow that snake to continue affecting my reverie on the trails with my dog. This time I would NOT pull my cap down to obscure that repti...
Read the full transcript
Timing and Cues
Suggested intro: Commentator Rawlins Gilliland writes about conquering your fears.
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