Bread that is true

Haiku for hungry people

The persistent crowds

seek Jesus, boarding their boats

to sail after him.

You’re looking for me

because I fed you with loaves;

but you’re still hungry.

Bread for the belly

lasts but hours. Seek God’s bread,

feeding the spirit.

The bread that is true,

far better than Moses gave,

comes from the Father.

Sir, give us this bread

always; each, every day

feed us with your life.

I am bread for life,

says the Johannine Jesus;

come, believe in me.

Trust the things I say,

do the things I’m telling you:

so fulfil God’s work.

You, who are hungry,

and you who thirst for fullness,

hear my words and live.

 

© Ken Rookes 2021

 

© Ken Rookes 2021

Signs

Haiku for the hungry

They came seeking signs.

Were not his words sufficient?

Apparently not.

The crowd was hungry

for his words, for the healing

the signs and the hope.

There’s a food shortage;

the hunger is great, it gnaws.

Jesus must feed them.

A boy brings his lunch.

Five barley loaves and two fish.

That will not go far!

Here is mystery!

Somehow all are satisfied;

their hungers addressed.

An impressive sign!

This indeed is a prophet,

the one God has sent.

That is not a sign;

this is a sign! Jesus strides

across the lake

You want a sign? Here,

try this, he says, winking, as

he crosses the lake

Don’t be afraid, it

is I! Jesus says; his words

bringing on God’s peace.

© Ken Rookes 2021

Escaping the crowds

 Haiku for a retreat

They have been busy;

the twelve he sent out to share

his life-giving news.

To the wilderness

they retreat, an empty place

where they can rest up.

The lake is their friend!

They sail in their little boat

away from the throng.

He has become known.

Recognition blocks the plan;

the crowds come seeking.

They are shepherd-less,

these sheep. He steps up to teach,

sharing the kingdom.

His fame goes ahead.

In Gennesaret the crowds

see him and gather.

They hope to be healed.

We all do. Come, Lord Jesus;

we, too, are broken.

© Ken Rookes 2021

The reckless prophet

Haiku for troublemakers.

The reckless prophet,

a baptiser known as John;

trouble has found him.

A sordid story.

The stepdaughter dances. Lust

overcomes the king.

He offers her half

his kingdom. What do you want?

The baptiser’s head.

The king is sorry,

but with all the witnesses

he grants the request.

The wilderness man

is silenced; the forerunner’s

work brought to an end.

Inestimably

worthy: reckless defiance

and foolish courage.

Where are our prophets?

Are their foolish words still heard;

or are they silenced?

What would it take to

silence me? Much less, I fear,

than it took for John.

© Ken Rookes 2021