Student Still Missing

This is the second week a student from my college is missing. It's creepy not knowing where he is. I pray this ends well.
On the other hand, I heard the other day that Jill Carroll, that journalist who was kidnapped is back with her family. That was an answer to prayer. Here's a poem I wrote about that:

Captive Audience (2/9/2006)

I used to think that heroes
Carried weapons, their lover’s letters
And not much else
Except maybe wit and courage.
I’m starting to believe
Differently.

Though you’re a captive,
One who may never hear my prayer,
I will pray, night and day,
God pours peace into your soul.

Speak, even for a moment,
Even through this picture
Taken so long ago.
I’m starting to believe
We need to hear
The life lessons you learned living
Over there.

What would I do
If I could speak
To you? Would I inquire about the sand
And sun? Would my questions bombard
Your weary ears?
What’s the food like?
Is it spicy, sweet, or simply
Functional? Do birds make the same
Sort of racket in the early morning?
Do the rich think
They’re all that like they do here?
Do people trade smiles, songs, and hope
For tomorrow?
What drew you away from home?

I’m starting to believe
Love carried you far
From home to a place and people
Few around here truly know.
Though I’ve never met you,
I know it’s true
The more you learned, the more you
Loved. People, places, and all things new
Frighten and intrigue
Still few think beyond
Mere curiosity.
I’m starting to believe
Differently.

Your fate lies in higher hands
So I will pray, night and day,
God pours peace into your soul.
May cooler heads prevail
Then one day this will be a happy tale.