By Joshua David Ling (Rated PG)
Read more of this story here.
17: When It Rains, It Pours
Just look up.
Cyrus, just look up.
Cyrus, just look up.
Cyrus, just look up.
The funeral was hard, the eulogy brief.
Cyrus fought back tears and heart-wrenching grief.
She said she’d find the wretched machine and its creator.
And none would be able to hide from The Great Vindicator.
The prayers were said, Amazing Grace sung,
The search went on, but by a thread it hung.
A floating machine? Who could imagine such a thing?
And as they left, the church bells did ring.
When it rains it pours-
Like the salt on the sores-
Of the plans you made.
It stings like a thousand bees,
Keepin’ pressure like a strong snake’s squeeze.
Still the rain falls harder,
And it won’t let up.
Time to sink or swim,
In the water and mud.
Cyrus, just look up.
Cyrus, just look up.
Just look up.
Cyrus, just look up.
Cyrus, just look up.
Cyrus, just look up.
“They won’t believe my story,
But this much I know-
I’ve got to find the one
Who has dealt me this blow.
Justice shall be done,
Justice shall prevail.
Even if it takes
Until I’m weak and frail.”
When it rains it pours-
Like the salt on the sores-
Of the plans you made.
It stings like a thousand bees,
Keepin’ pressure like a strong snake’s squeeze.
Still the rain falls harder,
And it won’t let up.
Time to sink or swim,
In the water and mud.
Cyrus, just look up.
Cyrus, just look up.
Just look up.
Cyrus, just look up.
Cyrus, just look up.
Cyrus, just look up.
18: Not Helping
Phones rang in the police station,
And everyone hustled ’round.
Then John Holbrook came over to see the Jones’
And then with them, sat down.
He was a veteran officer,
Who wore his badge with pride.
And he tried to be calm and sympathetic,
As he asked questions and prayed.
James: “Cyrus, will you please tell me again, What you saw on that night?”
Cyrus: “I saw something shining in our field,
It gave off a metallic light.
And Connor and I went to look,
And see what it was.
It was about the size of a bar stool’s seat,
And it gave off a low buzz.
After we stared for a few seconds,
It floated up off the ground.
We both ran as fast as we could. But-”
Her resolve devolved into a frown.
Her frown drowned into a cry,
And soon more tears were shed.
James: “I think that’s all I need for now Cyrus,
Would you like some banana bread?”
Cyrus shook her head at the offer,
And John looked over at Reed.
James: “Mr. and Mrs. Jones, will you come with me?
There’s just a couple forms I need.”
Reed and his wife Emily
Followed John down the hall.
Then John dropped his niceness
And left them feeling called.
James: “Mr. and Mrs. Jones,
I’ll say this to you straight out,
Your girl needs some major help,
Of that I have no doubt.
I can give you a recommendation for psychiatric help,
If you’d like it now.”
Emily: “My daughter is not crazy!”
Reed: “Calm down, Em. Calm down.”
Reed looked John right in the eyes,
And lowly spoke these words,
“I believe my daughter’s story.
And I believe your evaluation is absurd.”
James: “Then maybe you all should get some help.
So to you, I say good day.”
And John Holbrook got back to his work,
Leaving Cyrus with no way,
To find out truly what happened to Connor,
Or who was behind it all.
Reed and Emily took Cyrus home,
As her eyes continued to bawl.
19: The Seed of Greed
When Phillip Keller was just a boy he dreamed of large machines,
Empires, industry, things to help man, yes, that was his life-long dream.
But as he grew older, the things that he built to help man went askew.
He was seduced by power and pride, and soon he dreamed up a coup.
The seed of greed grows deeper, deeper.
The seed of greed grows deeper, deeper.
The seed of greed grows deeper, deeper.
It will never ever stop. It will never ever stop.
His love was land, the homes and farms of families large and small.
He’d break these down and build gold-mines, strip centers, restaurants, and malls.
But then one day, while scouting out the Jones’ farm he found
A literal gold mine filled to the brim, and situated deep under their ground.
The seed of greed grows deeper, deeper.
The seed of greed grows deeper, deeper.
The seed of greed grows deeper, deeper.
It will never ever stop. It will never ever stop.
And so he plotted and so he planned with scientists, policemen and more,
To make Cyrus and her family look insane, telling stories of flying war.
No one would believe a silly teenage girl about shiny killer UFOs, no.
And pretty soon they could start mining gold right out from under their nose.
The seed of greed grows deeper, deeper.
The seed of greed grows deeper, deeper.
The seed of greed grows deeper, deeper.
It will never ever stop. It will never ever stop.
20: Memories And An Angel
Cyrus went out into the field where began her hurting.
‘Twas a bright summer morn, and she needed some good soul searching.
She thought of days gone by, of her and Connor hangin’ without a care.
She remembered the day he took her fishin’ when she finally did share-
The story of Ezekiel, the angel who told them of her gift.
Connor didn’t believe her at first but a lightning bolt changed that real quick!
These memories, they tortured her but calmed at the same time.
To lose someone you love so much can make you lose your mind.
The pain never really goes away, but something takes its place.
It’s the solemn joy of knowing The Lord, God’s loving, warm embrace.
As she walked further into the field Ezekiel did appear.
He walked beside her quietly but Cyrus did not fear.
He said, ”Cyrus, the time’s upon us, when you must have to face
Adversity and trouble, but you will live by God’s good grace.”
Cyrus talked and tried to explain the pain that made her weak,
but Zeke, he told her flat out that she had no ground to speak.
He said: “Christ endured the cross for you, so you will endure for Him.
Go up to the north creek bed, Cyrus; and see what’s lurking in that den.”
The pain never really goes away, but something takes its place.
It’s the solemn joy of knowing The Lord, God’s loving, warm embrace.
Cyrus walked with Zeke and soon he disappeared.
But then she found that of which he spoke, and her sadness turned to fear.
21: Thus Says The Lord
Edoda… Ahiyasdi yah!
Edoda… Ahiyasdi yah!
Edoda… Ahiyasdi yah!
(Cherokee Very Roughly Translated: “Father… Save Me!”)
Down in the dry north creek bed-
A solemn sight filled Cyrus with dread.
Five or more unknown men-
Were hauling gold out of a little den.
But suddenly one spotted Cyrus and gave the alarm.
They chased her down, tied her up, and dragged her under the farm.
Through a little cave they took her- To the bottom of their land.
And what little light was there, Gleamed and shined like mad.
Then there came a voice that echoed through the cave.
The voice of Phillip Keller came cold, sharp, and grave.
He said: “Cyrus Jones, what a surprise! You’ve come so very far.
But maybe a little dynamite will even up this score.
Boys, it’s time to go to Plan B, up to the surface go.
But leave this snooping gal down here, with her precious land she will go.
And when this land has been sealed off for safety’s sake alone-
We’ll take the rest of the gold and land, and nothing will be known.”
Edoda… Ahiyasdi yah!
Edoda… Ahiyasdi yah!
Edoda… Ahiyasdi yah!
Cyrus struggled with the men, she bit and she clawed-
And soon she struggled her way up to the top.
Panic running through her veins like ice cold water,
The fear of being a lamb led to the slaughter.
But suddenly Ezekiel stood right by her side,
He looked her straight in the eyes and said:
Ezekiel: “Do not run, do not hide. Raise your hands to the heavens,
let this drought come to an end! Upon these evil men, a tempest send.
Strike fear and lightning right into their hearts,
And rain hail upon their heads like frozen darts.
This do all with one accord.
Do what God has said, thus says The Lord!”
The lightnings raged, the thunder roared,
Tornadoes and gales had Phillip’s men floored.
Baseball-sized hail knocked guns out of hands,
Beneath this onslaught no man could stand.
Those who weren’t knocked out by a blunt force
Were thrown or ran away from their course.
But Phillip Keller got the worst of the disaster.
He was thrown in the air spinning faster and faster,
Screaming and writhing in the freakish cyclone,
And from dizzying heights, downward he was thrown.
He was knocked out, and paralyzed there.
Then Cyrus dropped in pain, and said a prayer.
Cyrus: “Lord God,” she began her prayer in earnest.
“Thank you for saving us from death’s dark current.
Hallelujah, praise you, God! Amen, amen, here and abroad!”
Edoda… Gah gay you e!
Edoda… Gah gay you e!
(Cherokee Very Roughly Translated: “Father… I love you!”)
22: Standing Peachtree
The next few weeks were very good for the Jones family. Phillip Keller and his men were all taken into custody, and they sold much of their gold and put the rest in safekeeping. Many thought they’d sell their home, but they didn’t. Instead they fixed it up and used the money for various charities including their church. At the end of summer break, Cyrus wrote a poem. And it went something like this:
“My Lord sends His angels from on high
To teach me to control the sky.
My love for Him will never end,
And to His will let me always bend.
Just as the rain waters the ground,
So my Lord is always around
To tend to me, His little lamb,
And slowly share His Holy plan.”
Cyrus put the poem in her dresser drawer,
And then there was a knock at her door.
She said “Come in.” and her dad was there.
He hugged her close, and stroked her hair.
Reed: “How you doin’?” he asked of her.
She said: “I’m fine, Dad. But my heart’s still sore.
I miss Connor more than a lot.
But I know Jesus is here to be my God.
And as long as I put my trust in him,
There’s nothing I can’t do. No battle I can’t win.
And one day, I’ll see Connor again.
This isn’t the end, so let new things begin.”
“My Lord sends His angels from on high
To teach me to control the sky.
My love for Him will never end,
And to His will let me always bend.
Just as the rain waters the ground,
So my Lord is always around
To tend to me, His little lamb,
And slowly share His Holy plan.”
Just then, Cyrus got a call. She answered
and a robotic voice came from the other end.
“Cyrus Jones, my name is Mr. H.
And I have a proposition for you.”
Cyrus: “A proposition? Who is this? And how did you get my number?”
Mr. H: “I spoke with your father last night, Cyrus
While you did sleep and slumber.”
Cyrus: “How do I know that you’re not lying? What is really going on?”
Mr. H”We can help you find Connor’s killer, Cyrus.”
Cyrus: “Alright, H, Go on…”
Mr. H: “I need you to go investigate,
Uncle Andy’s Carnival.
It comes to town every year.
There’s a connection between the gas leak at Stone Mountain,
And these machines that inspire fear.
We believe it all ties back to Phillip,
But I’m afraid there could be more
Of the machines that killed Connor Murdoch.
This could be the brink of war.
Will you help us, Cyrus Jones?
Will you be strong and not nervous?”
Cyrus: “… Okay, Mr. H. I’ll play ball.”
Mr. H: “Welcome, to the World of COURAGE.”
23: A Second Chance At Evil
Phillip Keller sat in his bed,
At North Fulton Regional Hospital.
He could not move below his neck,
Or at least, it was very little.
The doctors said he’d be likely regain-
Some movement down to his waist.
But it wouldn’t be for some time.
He hated resting in this place.
The privacy curtain was drawn in the room,
And off all his lights now turned.
But he stewed with anger at Cyrus Jones
He would see that crazy witch burned.
Then his door quietly swung open
And a figure stood there unseen.
Waiting for an abnormal amount of time
Behind Phillip’s privacy screen.
“Oh Daddy…”
The voice whispered with malicious intent.
“Are you awake?”
Then with a long knife the curtain was rent.
Before Phillip could scream or pull on his cord
The figure crossed the room in a bound.
He covered Phillip’s mouth with one of his hands,
And the knife next to Phillip’s throat was found.
It stopped just short of piercing flesh
And Phillip looked up and saw
A pale looking young man with jet black hair
With a smile that made his skin crawl.
A device on the young man’s hip blinked blue
And kept Phillip’s heart monitor calm.
The young man played with the blade on Phillip’s neck.
“There’s no reason for alarm.
You’re a little psychopath, you know?
If you scream now,
You’ll be dead.”
He removed his hand from Phillip’s mouth
And Phillip rested his head.
Philip: “What in the world could you want from me?”
“It’s not what I want, brother.
It’s what the will of Red Death wants,
And he wants another-
Poor unfortunate soul for his army.
But… There’s something in it for you!
Not only will you walk again…
You’ll have revenge on Cyrus Jones too.”
Phillip then began to chuckle.
Phillip: “I’d do anything for that.”
“Then a surgeon will be with you shortly.
To finish our little pact…
Oh wait, I’m here now!”
The man exclaimed,
And Phillip’s head cried out in pain.
But try as he might, he could not scream,
The young man slipped his knife
Into Phillip’s skull it seemed.
Then everything began to go black.
“No, Phillip, Don’t go!
Please come back!”
LogoSophia Magazine 