These hidden things

Haiku for children

The invitation

must be accepted, or else

it has no value.

The flute is playing

the children are calling out:

Why won’t you come dance?

Here is the offer

of life filled with love and hope:

RSVP now.

Share fully in life,

both its joys and its sorrows.

There’s no other way!

The children can see

the things that the wise refuse;

the wonders of God.

I see you’re weary,

your burdens consume your life.

Come, receive my rest.

My yoke is easy,

blessed with purpose and with hope;

come and learn from me.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Leviathan

Haiku for considering

Ah, Leviathan,

mythical beast of the sea,

disturbing our dreams.

Will you tie the beast

Leviathan, with a leash

that your girls might play?

Best not take him on,

Leviathan. He’s bigger

than you. God is too.

God, who created

great beasts and monsters; only

God calls them to heel.

Insignificant

Job, who are you to question,

the Almighty’s ways.

You are mighty, God;

mysterious, knowing all;

and I never knew.

Job answered the Lord.

Now I see you; now I know

better than to speak.

Forced to acknowledge,

God finally concedes, Yes

Job, you spoke the truth.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Posted in response to the Narrative Lectionary readings for the 5th Sunday after Pentecost.

In our welcoming

In our welcoming

Haiku of the cup

Honours and rewards.

Why are they so important?

Simply do what’s right.

Hospitality;

welcoming his followers

and welcoming Him.

God has welcomed us;

so we open arms to God

in our welcoming.

A righteous reward;

not cash or shining medal,

but satisfaction.

Cups of cold water

for one of his little ones,

these, too, are noted.

Honours and rewards?

We have no need of these things,

serving is enough.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Out of the whirlwind

Haiku of the gobsmacked

I am in the dark.

What is the charge against me?

Paint it on my face!

Out of the whirlwind

the voice of the almighty:

Let’s see what you know!

God comes the heavy:

Answer me, if you are game.

My turn to question!

When earth’s foundations

were laid, and its measurements

set out; were you there?

When I gave each star

its place in heaven’s choir

where were you hiding?

Who set the limits

to the oceans as they swelled?

(Do that again, God!)

Those deserted lands

where none pray for rain to fall;

still I water them.

Who gives birth to dew,

rain and sleet; and winter frost

to freeze lakes solid?

After much complaint,

Job, standing before the Lord,

has nothing to say.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Posted in response to the Narrative Lectionary readings from Job for the fourth Sunday after Pentecost

The teacher instructs

Haiku for disciples

The teacher instructs

his followers; they will shape

their lives upon his.

The teacher directs

her disciples; live like me,

they’ll treat you the same.

Do not be afraid.

Truth will come out at the end.

Simply be faithful.

Proclaim it loudly

from the rooftops, what you hear

from me in whispers.

You are of great worth

to God. Should they take your life

God will receive you.

I bring division.

There is much they will not hear,

much that will offend.

You must take it up;

the cross that says servanthood.

Shrink not from its shame.

You would find your life?

Lose it with me. Discover

the life that is true.

© Ken Rookes

Innocent

Haiku for contemplating death

A tree, when cut down

still has hope that it might sprout,

and send forth new shoots.

When mortal life ends

there can be no returning.

The line has been ruled.

Images of death.

A lake might lose its water:

a river dries up.

Let me be hidden

among the dead in Sheol;

I long for release.

My words of complaint;

someone write them in a book,

lest they be forgot.

My vindication

awaits me. I shall see God

when my time has come.

There must be someone,

among heaven’s hosts, who knows

I am innocent.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Posted in response to the Narrative lectionary for the third Sunday after Pentecost

Harassed and helpless

Harassed and helpless

Haiku for labourers

Are they any less

harassed and helpless, the crowds

of the lost, today?

Caught up in the lies

and the dodgy promises

of fear peddlers.

Sheep without shepherds,

with none to watch over them,

and no-one who cares.

We care about you,

they cry, those seeking profit,

those craving power.

He sent out the twelve.

They are lost, they are fearful;

Touch their lives with love.

Tell them, The kingdom

is coming near. Share good news,

bring healing and hope.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Anguish

Haiku to protest innocence.

Such deep depression

to curse the day of one’s birth,

or conception’s night.

Let clouds fall darkly,

let the morning stars be dimmed

and the dawn withheld.

Let all be darkness,

let no joyful cry be heard,

her womb remain closed.

Life is but trouble;

had I not been born, I would

have been spared the pain.

Quit your whinging, Job.

You cannot be innocent;

punishment is just.

You have done much good;

that doesn’t mean you’re blameless.

Come to terms with God.

I won’t be silent.

I will make complaint to God;

I have done no wrong.

Why test us humans,

why bother us constantly.

God, give us a break!

If I sin sometimes

how does that affect you, God;

can't you look away?

God, why target me,

why am I such a burden?

Can’t you let me go?

© Ken Rookes 2020

Posted in response to the Narrative Lectionary for the 14th June 2020.

Some of them doubted

Some of them doubted

Uncertain haiku

Some of them doubted,

on the Galilee mountain

when they met with him.

The twelve minus one.

Clearly all were not convinced;

still they worshipped him.

He commissioned them,

gave them his authority:

Go, make disciples.

Go to all nations,

baptise in the Fathers name,

the Son and Spirit.

Teach them to obey

the commandments I gave you;

show them how to love.

And remember this;

I promise to be with you

until the age ends.

© Ken Rookes 2020