By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2025
In tribute to the last 20 Israeli hostages
freed from 738 days of captivity following
the October 7th attacks
First published in Literary Yard (April 26, 2026 Issue)
Cries welling joy,
tears flowing sweet,
in loved ones’ arms,
they dance up streets,
filled to the brim
with love restored,
their storm-tossed lives
now safely moored.
The brightest smiles
light flag-draped rooms
as families heal
and deserts bloom,
bursting with rain
nourishing souls,
slaking their thirst,
breaking their tolls;
as manna falls,
honeying sands,
refreshing all
in war-torn lands,
restored to peace
endowed with hope,
revived by love,
blossoming slopes.