By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2025

First published in The Penwood Review Spring Issue (May 2026)

Dedicated to Dan Beazley of Northville, Michigan and the families
grieving in the aftermath of the devastating flooding in central Texas

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Each step bearing more weight
than a 10-foot cross —
carrying the grief
of a community
devastated by
unimaginable loss —
a man from a city of
six thousand in Michigan,
silently brought his cross
to the river’s edge,
planting seeds of hope again —
dropping to his knees
in  fervent, closed-eyed prayer —
inspiring people
of all walks and faith,
from all parts of Texas
and beyond to draw near;
where they joined together —
holding each other with love,
asking the Lord for strength
to heal and bring them peace
from bright-skied heavens above —
where their precious children
now play with joy deeper
than any they’d ever dreamed of.