They heard the words

After Acts 2:38-47

They heard the words

as he moved among

the crows, simple words

from a complex history,

words they understand

in their own languages,

their own tongues of fire.

What do we do? they ask.

He walks among them,

following the example set

before him, and he says

repent, and he says

be baptized, and he says

the spirit will come, and he says

you will receive it, and he says

the promise for you, and he says,

and for your children, and he says

and for those far away, and he says

for all who are called.

And 12 became 3,000.

Photograph by Erika Giraud via Unsplash. Used with permission.