Monday, October 2, 2023

Commandments

 

Haiku for ordering a community



Ten. A good number.

one for every finger;

Easy to keep count.



Ten rules for living

establishing some limits

to bad behaviour.



First up, God. Just one,

no others, don’t make idols,

don’t misuse God’s name.



Day number seven,

keep it holy. Rest, don’t work;

got six days for that.



Respect your parents.

When they grow old and useless

still look after them.



Murder’s not allowed,

neither is adultery.

Be faithful and true.



Don’t steal. That includes

wage theft, ripping people off,

and tax avoidance.



Don’t falsely accuse

or tell lies about people.

(Very relevant!)



Your neighbour’s house, wife,

slave, donkey; don’t covet them.

Try to be content



Thunder and lightning,

a trumpet’s blast. Is it God?

The people tremble.



We hear you, Moses,

but don’t let God speak to us;

we would surely die.



© Ken Rookes 2023

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