Deadly to his enemies,
  confusing to his friends

While faithful to his writing,
 —all justified intent

Furious in times of war,
  in peace his vision burns

But past the fray inside his words,
  a gentler spirit yearns

Salvation long then sacrificed,
  a fate he can’t deny

A cross that’s left for him to bear,
  but still his spirit cries

Through battles mostly heaven sent,
  and victories sealed with death

This guilt the price he’s had to pay,
  now felt with every breath

One wish at last he prays out loud,
  one cry is sent above

“My spear, my pen, my will to live,
   I trade all back for love”

(Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2017)