Pentecost Again
Day of Pentecost; Acts 2:1-4
I’m no great fan of wind –
it shakes me loose like autumn leaves
until I feel unnerved, thin skinned,
and something wistful grieves.
Yet blow here, Spirit gale,
break into comfort, shake the walls
that shelter those afraid to fail
who hide when challenge calls.
I’m half afraid of flame –
too often burnt or left with ash;
with hot emotions much the same –
I flare, then quickly crash.
Let Spirit fire alight
upon my head and in my heart,
so words I write and share burn bright
where Spirit fires might start.
Blow wind so flame will flare
and lamps and candles catch the spark.
Who knows what words and art might dare?
Their light disperses dark.
We need to feel the breeze,
to light our campfires on the earth
and gather round in warmth and ease
in hopes of mirth or birth.
Barbara Messner 18/05/2026
Barb, poet priest 
May the light disperse the dark!
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I love it. Thanks Barb.
Blessings,
Jeannie
Jeannie Minnis tssf SA Regional Minister Ph. 0427 478 069
“If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice.” ~ Saint John Chrysostom
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I love this. I think you’ve beautifully acknowledged the discomfort of Pentecost’s elements, the ones that unsettle the structures we’ve built to comfort ourselves. Thank you for guiding us to the campfires beyond.
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Thanks Eric. You have helped me see more clearly what had subconsciously become the theme of the poem.
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