My Cardboard Balcony

Stormy Weather by Belinda Roddie When the power goes out, I'll hold you tight, coat my beard in wax and set it alight, so I'll be your living candle for the long, rainy night.

The house had been completely leveled in the storm. While the family had luckily evacuated with their pets and most prized belongings, they no longer had anywhere to live. I was surprised and impressed when I heard our church's pastor, Father Neves, claim that Deacon Dyer had offered a place to stay for the family until they could get their insurance, and new home, sorted out. "Deacon Dyer has chosen to stay with his own family," Father Neves explained, "to give the family as much comfort and privacy as possible in his residence."