August 19–25 ❘ Alma the Younger

Alma the Younger

I was no rebellious youth, but man
of unsparing education,
inheritor of holy privilege.
I willfully muddied the path
between life and destruction. Why
should I, so well knowing my aims,
be interrupted from hell
while ignorant friends yet burn?

Oh, that I could brand every heart
with the fire God snatched me from,
could blast the warning
that rings in memory and ignite
worldwide regret like wildfire,

could visit each divine child
with the same uninvited lightning
that struck me flat
but

I remain myself—a sinful man
who must submit,
acting as angel without
bellows or flames,

balancing eternal gratitude
and guilt for undeserved,
unsought mercy.

• Story about “Oh, that I Were an Angel”

• Read more of my poetry at www.facebook.com/latterdaysaintpoetry

• Contact me at merrijane.rice@gmail.com