"Boys, don't grow up and become men"

Deacon Cassidy opens his eyes, he's outside, a small black boy is staring at him. "Hey mister, you ok? a feeling of panic and delirium engulf him, an old familiar feeling. He rises to his feet with help from the boy, "I'm ok" but it is apparent he is not, he quickly checks his face for blood, then searches himself for his wallet, it's gone, along with the rest of his dignity. He stoops down at a puddle to wash the vomit from his mouth, an electric shock of pain extends from his abdominal to the tip of his penis, a sad new feeling. He rises once again as if unseen forces hefted him on to their shoulders. He asks the boy "which way is North?", the boy shruggs his shoulders and points to the sky. Deacon pats the boy on the head whispers "thanks" and limps off to a place only he can find...