A poem for Pentecost 2020
What have we lost since Pentecost morn?
What in translation was missed?
From the Upper Room the earth was shook
and with tongues of fire each brow was kissed.
They left the room that morning
but what was it all for?
Was it power, prestige, and empire?
Or maybe something more.
When they left the room the world was new
what was different no longer made since.
With understanding restored and conviction reborn
our community conflicts became far less intense.
Each one was a brother, a sister, a friend
no class, color, or place could divide.
The Spirit was teaching and changing our hearts
no more selfish possession with each need to provide.
Our division blown away by the Spirits mighty wind
perhaps one day we’ll see
what we have lost since Pentecost morn
to fracture the bonds between you and me.
We have said no to the Spirits urging
No to the invitation of love
No to the promise of a union
to the comforter sent from above.
We have returned to our towers of babel
to lift ourselves to throne from mud
the bricks are made of the broken and poor
while the mortar is set with blood.
Once more confusion surrounds our hearts
our words are twisted and meaning is lost
while mothers grieve and pine for their sons
in vigils and fires we still reap the cost.
So what have we lost since that glorious day
when the Spirit came down and set free
our tongues from rebuke and our fists from hate
for mission on land and on sea.
What have we lost since Peter stood
and told the world of love
of peace and concord of justice and joy?
We forgot the symbol of the dove.
So what have we lost since Pentecost?
What have we forgotten and why?
Will we turn once again to understanding and love
or continue to build towers to the sky?
This year may we hear the word of God
and on our hearts let it be writ
to love one another and work for the good
and receive the Holy Spirit.
by Rev. Joshua D. Nelson ©2020
