Sister Poetry

(Luke 24:36-42 or John 20:19-23)

they huddle in the dark, locked room
        seeking safety in silence and withdrawal

‘til a might wind levels their defenses,
        erasing evidence of what was.

tongues of fire anoint each,
        resurrecting tongues of flesh interred in caves of silence.

breath of God inspirits numbed disciple-bodies to stand,
        to speak, to be sent.

“peace be with you” flung to the air in a Babel of praise.
        prodigal promise of Spirit gifts
                have pentecosted these common folk
                        into uncommon giving and forgiving.

the ends of the earth too confining to contain their joy.