By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2023

First published in Cantos (2026 Issue)

In loving memory of the pastor and Church members slain
in the Charleston mass shooting

It struck me
like a bolt of lightning
how deep and powerful
the grace of God could be…
first hearing
at the funeral, of
Clementa C. Pinckney,
a moving eulogy —

Words that told
a Church filled with mourners
that even the killer —
though full of hate he be —
could be used by the Lord
to build community:
recalling fellowship shown that day,
inviting a stranger
into a Church to pray —
to join a Bible group
whose love he would betray;
stunned by words
of loved ones of those slain,
forgiving Dylann Roof
for heinous, racist pain…

Fighting tears
singing Amazing Grace,
President Obama
brought healing to that place —
with heartfelt words of love
no darkness could erase.