The Early Christian Martyrs Poem by Patricia Kelley

I will really never know how many martyrs gave up the ghost.
Of being beheaded or tortured by wild animals to became a fire’s roast.
Yes, they were burnt alive hanging upside down from trees.
Or crucified upon a cross as our Lord and Savior,
Forced into the arms of the Creator,
Remembering the many nights they found solace on their knees.
Praying for those sisters and brothers fallen by disease.
Or those; torn from limb to limb to renounce their heartfelt faith.
In order to be with the great Heavenly Host,
That paid the ultimate cost upon the bloodstained cross.
I can read the Bible and study the Christian literature history books.
But, never understand the evil driven looks.
It happened in Rome.
It happened in France.
It happened in Africa.
It happened in Israel.
It happened in Asia.
Christians were being slaughtered by the numbers.
What would drive a mad emperor to destroy the multitude of the morally innocent people?
That died from a roaring lion’s jaws.
Their loyal bones being tossed into the deep seas so, they wouldn’t feel eternity’s resurrection.
Such was a mad man’s directions.
That could’ve withstood correction.
After all, what was their fault a life without flaws?
Because of an envious mad man filled with madness that couldn’t find peace went against God’s laws.
I will really never understand a martyr’s death.
At that moment feeling no pain, but covered by God’s Divine grace.
Encompassed in the Divine wings’ of God’s protection;
Shielding every part of the flesh; never feeling the sharp teeth of a lion.
Or feeling the sting of a sharp edged sword,
Or the ravaging hot flames of a fire,
When you walk in God’s desire,
Your faith never retires.
By holding on to the faith through God’s Divine Word,
You can face all.
Knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of God,
When faced with adversity.
Not even the jaws of a lion.