Martyrdom

As I sit upon the bed, I think back

To all that I have done

For myself, for my God, and for the future.

I hear the song being sung as we sit

In the second story of Carthage Jail.

It has been twenty-four years

Since it all began in Palmyra.

I was only fourteen when I saw Them,

God the Father and Christ, telling me

I would have to renew His church.

Three years later, given a book

Which would bring people to the knowledge

Of the only true God and His Truth.

Most people did not believe me.

I translated this holy book

And gained both knowledge and faith,

Given power from on high

To bring the children of men

To the knowledge of the Truth.

Many people began to believe,

And, oh, how great was my joy!

I then had to leave my home

And journey with my people

To our new home. Only a few years later,

We had to leave again,

And came to what we thought was paradise.

We had just started to build a house

Unto the Lord when I was taken

From my home, family, and people.

I knew the end was near.

Now I sit here, hearing a dozen

Footfalls with yells. We try to hold

The door closed. My brother falls -

A ball in his head. I cradle it.

I run to the window. The next thing I know,

I am through it, the glass

Falling with me.