Pentecost

When you left us

I saw how the clouds parted,

rent curtains,

as you cleared earth’s

drossy smear,

and passed into a heaven

bright beyond

our wildest imagining.

Bereft, fearful, we

shut tight the door

against wolves’ howling

and waited for you

to keep your promise.

At first it was a whisper,

the sea-ward wind

prying loose our

weak walls,

but soon the song rose, until

its power overwhelmed us

with chords of faith,

and, afire at last,

we spoke!