The Letter (For Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr)

I am writing, dear brothers,
So that you may
Be established in Him
Whose truth you received.

I am writing to you
What I have been given,
So that you may
Hold firm in the truth.

Even now I
Wrestle with beasts
And am surrounded
By leopards and guards.

You are kept safe;
I am endangered.
I am condemned
But you have known mercy.

I write to you then,
That you may hold firm,
Living as one,
Held firm by the truth

I write that you may
Be all Christ-bearers,
A letter, signed, sealed,
Delivered, from Him.