There was a weather emergency for Jasper County. High winds, hail, rain, and possible tornadoes were expected throughout the night. Thunder boomed from the west.

Nobody knew what he was thinking. Neighbors looked on as the old man carried a lawn chair out to his front yard along with a six pack of Old Style; talking to himself. Speaking in tongues. Telling God to come get him. Said he was ready.

Rain came in at an angle. Hard. Slapping the old man in the face. Hail fell as well. Made a noise as it hit the aluminum cans. His gray eyes squinted. Looked up at the sky. Shook his fist at the devil. The winds picked up.

In the south, a funnel cloud formed. Sounded like war. It came up behind him. The old man did not flinch. He rode the wind; yelling and singing, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. Lord, take me home. And, the Lord did.

The old man was born in Jasper County. And, he died there. His body was found on up the road amongst bricks and shingles. It laid there. Still. Life had left it years ago.

He was buried with the paupers of Jasper County. No tombstone. No marker saying Rest In Peace. His body returned to the earth. His soul far, far away.