The devil went down to Georgia: A New Year’s resolution

In the rolling green hills of the English countryside in the county of Derbyshire is a limestone outcropping called the Eldon Hill. The area is mostly used as pastureland, for the rough grazing of sheep and other livestock, but, of course in recent history, quarries were established to remove the valuable rock, which has dozens of uses from constructing roads to manufacturing housing components. 

Centuries ago a fissure opened on the rock face creating a seemingly bottomless hole down to the depths of the earth. The cave is known, appropriately, as the Eldon Hole. For many, many years the locals avoided the crevice, reckoning that it was a pathway to hell and home to the devil. Legend has it that on two separate occasions, a brave adventurer descended into the darkness to explore the cavern. 

The first died in the darkness, while the second emerged half-crazed and semi-conscious only to pass away hours later. It was a stark warning that whatever was lying beyond the earth’s surface shouldn’t be trifled with. 

Legends fade over the years and now the Eldon Hill and its cavernous opening are attractions for hiking and caving enthusiasts. Whatever came of the devil once believed to dwell there, who knows? But I’m afraid he might have moved.  

While walking around my own corner of this planet of ours I recently came across a newly opened sinkhole along my driveway. Sinkholes are not uncommon on a rural landscape. Where once a tree stood, a hole is bound to form as the stump and roots rot away. But this opening appeared suddenly, without warning or evidence that the ground was shifting. And it was deep. I couldn’t see the bottom of the hole standing above it and I certainly wasn’t going to stick my hand in there. 

Armed with my trusty wheelbarrow and shovel, I filled the spot in and sprinkled a little gravel on top. Now you couldn’t tell it was even there. But there are some other sinkholes in the yard that await a little attention. 

I don’t put too much faith in legends. I’m not too sure that the devil ever lived in a cave in England, and I’m confident he didn’t move to rural Georgia. Didn’t Charlie Daniels sing a song about that? Maybe I should try my hand at fiddle playing … 

Something else I never gave much credence to is New Year’s resolutions. Though I understand the concept of the fresh start with a new year, the present is always the appropriate time to improve oneself or set a goal. There’s no need to wait until Jan. 1.

For instance, I’m going to start right away by filling in some sinkholes. I don’t think the devil is taking up residence. But I’m also not going to take any chances. 

Happy New Year!