Poem May 27, 1972 Issue

TO A CAPTIVE WHO FREED HERSELF

II Kings 5:3

Gerald Stanwell

We do not know for sure
your young heart's wrestlings in a distant age,
nor possibly the pangs of injured pride,
the throes of fear, you had to overcome,
with loved ones lost, nor the hard ride
into captivity, wrenched from native land
to wait as servant, do what came to hand.

But the shining narrative is clear—
you honored God and prophet; you held dear
the healing of your captor. He was proud,
and yet you sensed, deep down, he cried aloud
for wholeness. Thus your spiritual intent
released him from his own imprisonment
as well as you.

Your speech became a deed
and led a captive captor to be freed.

Gerald Stanwell

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