Monthly Archives: May 2023

Transitions

Two poems based on the Easter season lectionary.

Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)
As Easter soon concludes,
We take a brief look back.
Reflecting on surprises,
With this Christ had a knack.

Two gents were on the road,
And spoke of many things.
A stranger then approached,
New perspective he would bring.

The stranger could not help,
But join them on the way.
He wondered quite aloud,
What the two would say.

What do you speak of,
As you walk along?
You sound excited!
Is something going on?

The two then shared of Jesus,
Of their hopes and dreams.
And that, shockingly he died;
Tragic victim of a scheme.

The two then shared of Jesus,
Of their hopes and dreams.
But now? All was lost.
At least that’s how it seemed.

Then some other friends,
Threw the two a loop.
What those women shared,
Makes for quite the scoop.

Seeing the dead man’s tomb,
The stone was rolled away.
The women peered in;
This is what they say.

The tomb is empty!
Angels say he is alive!
The tomb is empty!
Could Christ be revived?

The two gents were unsure,
As they walked along.
They did kind of wonder –
Was something going on?

The stranger then spoke,
Oh how slow are you!
The Messiah told us!
That’s what God would do!

Day’s journey now done,
The three sat down to eat.
It was then, and only then,
Their eyes would truly meet.

The stranger –
Took bread,
Blessed it,
Broke it.

Suddenly they knew.

The stranger –
Took bread,
Blessed it,
Broke it.

That’s what God would do.

This was no stranger!
This was a close friend!
This was – Jesus!
Their eyes were opened.

Then poof, Christ was gone,
The two ran to share the news.
They went, telling others.
Of what God did do.

Elements (Acts 1:6-15)
The eleven gathered close,
With Christ once again;
Reunited, together,
Recalling way back when.

Still listening, still learning,
One question yet remained.
Still listening, still learning,
One answer not explained.

Disciples gathered round,
One question here on earth,
God’s kingdom isn’t here,
When cometh this rebirth?

I know not, Christ said,
The time or place or means.
My Father sets those clocks,
Right now? We’re in between.

I know this, Christ said,
The Spirit’s on the way.
She’ll guide you, eternally,
She’ll be here soon, to stay.

The heavens then opened,
Christ ascended to the sky.
Through clouds, then gone.
His glory now on high.

As eleven gazed in wonder,
Two angels then appeared;
Watched men rubbernecking –
The angels thought it weird.

Why do you stand,
Gazing up above?
Work here, they said,
Sharing God’s great love.

Two angels then ascended,
Disciples departed too.
They headed to the City,
God’s work soon to do.

In an upper room,
Eleven gathered, prayed.
Women, others joined in,
One hundred-twenty stayed.

Soon enough, my friends,
Pentecost it will be.
The coming of God’s Spirit,
She’ll light us up, you’ll see.

Soon enough, my friends,
Pentecost it will be,
A Spirit that encourages.
She’s for you, and me.

She appears in many forms,

With –
A whish,
A whirl,
A wind.

When she arrives,
Fresh life enters in.

She appears in many forms,
Always read to inspire.
Do you believe, beloved?
She carries God’s great fire.