Rafael

Rafael

‘God has healed’ is Rafael,

But he seemed so far afield

When principles are held

As a protective shield.

Not meant here

To be a comparison,

But principle’s tier

Should learn from some.

The nine of Mother Emanuel

Lost life’s breath

Suddenly, not gradual

But instant death.

Then Mother Emanuel’s faithful

Shocked the nation;

A congregation not ungrateful

For the gift of reconciliation.

Though not of the same magnitude

Rafael’s bride was wronged

And her spouse went on to brood

In front of a mighty throng.

This principled angel earlier attracted

Evangelical hearts, their admiration

He extracted

His principles, though, his fixation.

Why did he persist with vengeance?

Why not cross that political isthmus

With spiritual transcendence

To heal with God’s forgiveness?

Rafael, O Rafael

You should have lived up to your name.

Your principles so dearly held,

Withholding Godly healing became shame.