By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2025

First published in Spirit Fire Review Spring Issue (April 2026)

In honor of Devarjaye “D.J.” Daniel

Since we first saw him
at the State of the Union,
he has captured
all of our hearts:
a fighter, a dreamer —
a boy battling —
brave and stalwart.

Diagnosed with
Stage 3 brain cancer,
told he had five months,
left to live — 
he found meaning
from his father,
teaching him how
to serve and give.

Inspired by faith
and godly wisdom,
with resolve far
beyond his years,
he sought to serve
in law enforcement,
finding his passion,
and his career.

Sworn in as
an honorary agent
by over one thousand
law enforcement agencies,
God told him
during one surgery,
he was His angel
doing His work, faithfully.

D.J. said that in
his twelfth surgery,
he encountered God
in heavenly clouds,
presenting him,
with angel wings,
making him,
incredibly proud.

But then God
took them away —
telling him
in gentlest words…
once graduated
from this life’s school —
he’d get them back
and find his Lord.