By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2024

First published in Academy of the Heart and Mind (September 24, 2024 Issue)

Dedicated to Yaffa Adar and Andrea Bocelli

From the depths of darkness
resounding in despair,
the voice of Bocelli
pierced through the morning air,
in the mind of a hostage —
bringing hope to each day,
that she would gain freedom…
with God to light her way,
returning to loved ones,
eight full grandchildren strong,
hearing their sweet voices,
calling the whole day long.

Vowing never to break,
she displayed iron will,
never crying out loud —
determined, keeping still;
sleeping on rows of chairs,
no bathroom in her cell;
no showers for her care;
no sunlight in her hell.

The voice of one singer
transported her away,
to beauty of heavens…
she felt, when she did pray.

Freed in the first exchange
of prisoners released,
when the two sides did pause…
returning her in peace.

When Bocelli did learn
of how his words did heal —
releasing her of pain,
throughout her whole ordeal,
he was touched to his core,
writing her from his heart,
admiring her courage,
with strength, standing stalwart.

No honor was greater
than hearing how his words
had welled up within her,
angelic in its chords.

He offered to fly her
to hear him sing again —
but this time in person,
her choosing where and when:
in public performance
or her private concert,
for his words to ease pain,
and release her from hurt…