Intimations

Intimations

Haiku of wonder

Transfiguration

intimations of glory;

he must be the one.

Great stories are told

to further prove the greatness

of one we call Christ.

The stage is prepared:

for a sacred drama, here,

upon a mountain.

Lots of heavy stuff

happens high up in mountains;

just ask Elijah.

Elijah is there,

along with Moses, talking

with Jesus, shining.

Prophet, lawmaker,

they converse with one who will

surpass both of them.

The cloud voice echoes:

this is my Son, the chosen,

listen to his voice.

His bewildered friends

have no idea what it means,

or who they follow.

The story is told

across two millennia;

and still we wonder.

© Ken Rookes 2019

Love your enemies

Impossible haiku

Love your enemies:

surely the most laughable

of all his commands.

Easily dismissed

when fear is cultivated

to harvest power.

The title, ‘Christian,’

becomes robbed of its meaning

by those who must hate.

Bless those who curse you,

pray for those who abuse you.

More futile commands.

Even bad people

love those who return their love;

be better than that.

Would you follow him;

this man who insists on love

ahead of all else?

Real love is one-way,

not a bargain or a deal,

expects no return.

Generous, like God,

love is extended to all;

you don’t pick and choose.

Don’t be judgmental,

don’t condemn those who fall short,

practice forgiveness.

When it comes to love,

aim high, and don’t be afraid

to fail, says Jesus.

© Ken Rookes 2019

Blessings, surprising and unexpected

Haiku for a revolution

The place was level,

a good site for straight talking.

Useful metaphor.

They sensed his power

to bring freedom and healing,

not to mention hope.

He pronounced blessings

surprising, unexpected,

to those without hope.

The poor are promised

entry into God’s kingdom :

what more could they ask?

Those who are hungry

will be filled, the ones who weep

will have cause to laugh.

Are all these blessings

to be made real in this life?

And why shouldn’t they??

Along with blessings,

a series of woes are dealt

to those who have, now.

More flammable words

of gospel revolution

to upend the world.

Words to discomfort

the rich and the powerful,

but they don’t listen.

Here too, a blessing

for those who would follow him:

you will be reviled.

© Ken Rookes 2019

They came to listen

Haiku for net leavers

They came to listen,

to hear what he had to say;

the Nazareth man.

Some said that he spoke

direct words from the Father.

They pressed in on him.

Two boats at the shore.

He employs one to teach from;

a floating platform.

The lesson concludes.

Take the boat out, he tells them,

and let down your nets.

The fish aren’t biting.

what would be the point? they say.

Yet, if you insist.

The nets are soon filled,

nearly breaking with the strain.

The other boat comes.

Simon, James and John,

fishing partners, are amazed;

can’t believe their eyes!

Boat owner Simon,

falls before him, cries: Depart!

I am not worthy!

Stick with me, he said

we’ll catch people, netting them

into God’s kingdom!

When they reached the shore

the fishermen left their nets

and followed Jesus.

© Ken Rookes 2019