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Cyclone Jones
By Joshua Ling
RhymeAndSpace.com
:: Author Note ::
Welcome to the very first issue of the Guardians of Atlanta series, set in The World of Courage. The
World of Courage is a superhero universe written almost completely in rhyme.
(Small note: This story, and it’s sequel: The Great Phantasma, were originally written as hip-hop concept
albums.)
This story is about Cyrus (Seer-is, not Sigh-ris) Jones, and the events that made her a Super-Heroine.
I hope you enjoy.
- Joshua David Ling

1. The Prophecy
Reed Jones was a farmer in Georgia, rural.
His wife was sick but not just her, plural!
Not only was it her sick as a dog in bed.
It was the baby in her belly that could also wind up dead.
So Reed dropped right down to his knees
He raised his hands up high and he begged God, "PLEASE!
Lord please God save my wife and child!"
The wind started blowing, and there came something wild.
An Angel stood in the room tall and erect And he delivered a prophecy that in truth was perfect.
He Said,
Reed Jones, good and faithful servant,
Your wife will be saved from death's dark current.
Your daughter as well, but she'll be born with power.
All weather before her eyes will cower.
With God's help, she will withstand great adversity.
She will lose everything, but she will learn this homily, If Christ is with us, who can be against us?
Your daughter, Reed Jones, will stand for Justice!
Reed Jones thanked the holy messenger, and within a few days, Mrs. Jones was healed, and Cyrus was
born.

2. Home Is Where The Heart Remains
Fast forward about 20 years later,
Cyrus was in college, UGA was the place there.
Summer break just a few minutes away, she stared at that clock for what seemed like days.
And even in that crazy little town of Athens, The pressure was too much on a girl who raised chickens,
horses, cows, and crops.
That bell rang, then there were no more stops.
The quicker she'd get there, the quicker she'd be, back among the pine, creeks, and peachtrees.
No matter what happened, no matter what changed, one thing never did.
Cause home is where the heart remains.
And as she went home she saw her whole world changing everytime she stepped out, new construction
was a blazin'
amazing, all the shops and malls
and offices and streets 'Man they got gall!'
Cyrus thought everytime her mind would drift when the winds of progress would shift They'd leave a
bigger mess than ever before The South been dyin' slowly since the civil war.
The quicker she'd get there, the quicker she'd be, back among the pine, creeks, and peachtrees.
No matter what happened, no matter what changed, one thing never did-Cause home is where the heart
remains.
Even though the border's of the Jones' home was surrounded by the aforementioned stores and chrome
their 20 acres of land were glorious Cyrus ran inside feeling victorious.
The minute she opened the door to her home She knew that she was no longer alone All of everything
she'd been feeling melted away in the arms of her parents, tonight she'd stay.

The quicker she'd get there, the quicker she'd be, back among the pine, creeks, and peachtrees.
No matter what happened, no matter what changed, one thing never did.
Cause home is where the heart remains.
(Descant)
Country Roads, Take Me Home
To a Place where I belong.
Alpharetta; That's my hometown.
Take me home, Country Roads

3. Progress Is Knocking
But wouldn't you know it? Right as they were eating dinner together, Progress came a'knockin.
Progress moves can't be stopped
Trees cut down and then they're chopped Progress will never be dropped
til this whole culture is swapped
During dinner time with the Jones'
A knock came to the door and everyone froze Father Reed went to the door to open on the other side, was
a man who was hopin'
to take their farm, take their land and turn it into a strip mall
He reached out to shake Reed's hand But he wasn't gettin' no howdy y'all.
In fact, he wasn't even gettin' a no sir.
But against this man, nothing would deter, because...
Progress moves can't be stopped
Trees cut down and then they're chopped Progress will never be dropped
til this whole culture is swapped
Few words were exchanged as they'd been before Reed told him he wasn't selling, then closed the door.
He explained that Phillip Keller had been wanting to buy their land that'd been there for centuries in their
clan.
But still that man plotted, but still that man planned To one day put an end to this Southern strand.
"Phillip Keller," Reed explained "Will never pay enough to take this land out from under us."
Progress moves can't be stopped
Trees cut down and then they're chopped Progress will never be dropped

til this whole culture is swapped

4. Smalltown Romance
Just then, down the street came the roar of a 1980's Trans Am. Cyrus' best friend Connor, was pulling into
their driveway.
She hadn't seen him in months, they had only talked online, and they missed each other very much.
This is what love songs are really singin' 'bout.
Theres never any hate, and never any doubt.
This is the person you're meant for. It's not by chance.
It's nothing but a small, smalltown romance.
Years ago when Cyrus was young
a boy came to her Sunday school class
He stole her headband to get her attention
He said 'sorry' and they became friends fast.
Love stories like this come only in small towns Where people don't leave each other, they stick around
And even one day their parents knew they'd find Both of them married they were THAT intwined.
This is what love songs are really singin' 'bout.
Theres never any hate, and never any doubt.
This is the person you're meant for. It's not by chance.
It's nothing but a small, smalltown romance.
So that night when Connor came in his Trans Am He picked up Cyrus and drove to somewhere grand, he
planned on going to Stone Mountain
but a gas leak kept all of that from happenin'
So instead he drove to a much smaller place

a little neighborhood that survived by God's grace A cul-de-sac on top of a large mound,
and you could see all of Atlanta from on top lookin' down.
They had a picnic right there with fried chicken and sweet tea, but then all off a sudden Connor said:
'Cyrus, will you marry me?'
This is what love songs are really singin' 'bout.
Theres never any hate, and never any doubt.
This is the person you're meant for. It's not by chance.
It's nothing but a small, smalltown romance.
Cyrus said yes, and Connor drove her back to her house...

5. Electric Shock
When they arrived back, the stars shined brightly, unconcealed, They stared through the black, at
something gleaming in the nearby field Cyrus went to check it out, but it floated up off the ground.
Connor gave a shout, and Cyrus ran at the sound.
The chase began, they ran and ran,
but Cyrus fell, and gave a yell.
Connor turned back, and jumped in the way, but that shiny machine... Took his life away.
With one electric shock, his heart began to slow to a stop.
Cyrus held him for a few, and he told her 'I love you.'
Connor slipped away, and a storm came that day.
From Cyrus' eyes alone, came the thunder's loud groans.
And the raindrops wailed and bemoaned... Cyrus Jones, who was all alone.
This may seem quick but I tell it that way, to make you feel what Cyrus felt that day.
The adversity the Angel promised of her, was beginning, all in a blur.
And that's how life tends to go.
It doesn't pittle. It's not slow.
Make sure you're ready like Connor was.
That's the end of poem 5, and now we pause...

6. When It Rains, It Pours
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.
The funeral was hard, the eulogy brief, Cyrus fought back the tears and heart-wrenching grief.
She said she'd find the wretched machine and it's 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.

7. 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 planned with scientists, policemen and more, to make Cyrus and her family look
insane, telling stories of flying war.
Nobody would believe a silly teenage girl about shiny killer ufos, no.
And sooner or later he 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.

8. Memories And An Angel
Cyrus went out into the field that she had lost her man
'twas a bright Summer morn, and her heart needed a good scan.
She thought of days gone by, of her and Connor hangin' without a care.
She remembered the day he took her fishin' and she finally did share, the story of Ezekiel, the angel who
told them of her gift.
Connor didn't believe at first but a lightning bolt changed that real 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 it's 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 adveristy and trouble, but you will live by
God's good Grace."
Cyrus talked to him 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 and see what's lurking in that den."
The pain never really goes away, but something takes it's 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...

9. Thus Says The Lord
Edoda...
Ahiyasdi Yah!
Edoda...
Ahiyasdi Yah!
Edoda...
Ahiyasdi Yah!
(Cherokee 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 the little light that was there,
gleamed and shined like mad.
But suddenly 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!
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: "Do not run, do
not hide.
Raise your arms to the heavens and 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 gails had Phillip's men floored.
But Phillip Keller got the worst of the disaster He was thrown up 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.

"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 Roughly Translated:
Father...
I Love You!)

10. 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 in 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.
"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, Theres 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."
The End.

Bonus Poem: The Headband
Little Cyrus, Five years old, Screamed and cried and moaned
Cyrus: "Daddy it's my favorite headband We just can't go home!"
Daddy: "Cyrus, you've lost these things before, They always turn up again!"
Just then a little head peeked 'round the Sunday School doorway's bend.
The little boy hunched his back, and his mom behind him said:
Mom: "I think Connor has something for you Cyrus.
And he won't ever take it again."
The little boy inched his way toward the prissy girl.
He held out the missing headband Cyrus took it and twirled.
Cyrus: "Yeehaw!" She exclaimed As she spun around.
"But why'd you take it Connor?
Tell me! Tell me now!"
Connor: "You were playing with all the kids And I just felt left out.
I was too scared to talk to you, So I took your headband out."
Cyrus: "All you had to do was ask If I would be your friend!"
Connor asked that very day, And their friendship had no end.

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