A Fire in Oklahoma
The rubble shows horror.
The bodies show fear and terror.
The sirens tried to show reassurance.
The news updates gave Americans the tragic facts,
But it happened… instantly
Flags, flown half-staff, showed respect for the people,
Cries for help sadden the hearts of America,
The AmeriFamily vows vengeance and swift justice
On the person, or persons, responsible for this unnecessary tragedy.
But the Heavenly Father calmed the fires
A fire in Oklahoma.
He calmed the people… His people.
He gave their families, comfort and support
The Lord sent His fleet of angels
The army of disciples, the grand tactical book
The humanitarians on the sinful Earth
To stop a fire… A fire in Oklahoma
The question the American people ask now is… Why?
[And] As the perpetrators laugh, Jesus Christ Himself weeps.
Date of First Draft: sometime after 19 April 1995
Information: This was published in the newsletter of Herndon United Methodist Church.
Influence: Oklahoma City bombing, 19 April 1995
Annotations: After the phrase “the grand tactical book,” originally “the Bible” in parentheses was tacked on in the end as a way to indicate what I was thinking about at the time.