Decalogue

Haiku for living well

Moses reports back

to the people, having spent

time in God’s presence.

Ten words from the Lord.

The first: God is one; you shall

have no other gods.

The Lord rescued you

from slavery in Egypt.

You need none other.

Respect the Lord’s name,

don’t misuse, speak it loosely,

God will be angry.

One day in seven

shall be a sabbath; no one

should work on that day.

In the story told

of how the world came to be,

God himself took rest.

When people grow old

that doesn’t mean they’re useless;

honour your parents.

You shall not murder.

Be faithful in your marriage.

Don’t steal from others.

Always be truthful.

Don’t lie to seek advantage

over your neighbour.

Don’t waste energy

covetting what isn’t yours;

it gets you nowhere.

© Ken Rookes 2024

You are Abraham

Haiku of promise

Ninety-nine years old;

granted private audience

with the Almighty.

Walk well before me,

be blameless, Mister Abram,

I’ll bless you, God said.

Let’s make covenant:

walk well before me, I’ll make you

numerous and great.

Abram fell, humbled.

You’ll father many nations;

you’ll have a new name.

You are Abraham,

your wife will be called Sarah;

she’ll bear you a son.

I will bless you both;

nations shall rise from you. My

covenant shall stand.

Covenants have two

sides: to receive the blessings

one must act justly.

© Ken Rookes 2024

The bow in the clouds

Haiku of hope

God spoke to Noah

and family. This is it!

A new beginning!

I make covenant

with you, your children, and all

the creatures on earth.

I promise, Never

again shall I send a flood

to destroy the earth!

I give you a sign:

a bow in the clouds will mark

this new agreement.

When the clouds cover

the earth, the bow reminds me

of our covenant.

All creatures take note:

No more will the waters flood

to destroy all flesh!

The bow in the clouds

speaks of this covenant, made

with all creation.

God pledges to not

destroy the earth; humankind

makes no such promise!

© Ken Rookes 2024

Elijah is taken up

Haiku for a succession

The aging prophet,

Elijah, was on the move;

Gilgal to Bethal.

He told Elisha,

Wait here. No, said his junior,

I will not leave you.

The local prophets

announce: This day your master

will depart! I know.

The action repeats.

Bethel, Jericho and Jordan;

they all have a go.

Rolling his mantle

Elijah struck the water.

The Jordan parted.

The old prophet asked

Elisha, Make a request

before I depart.

A double portion

of your spirit! That my friend

is quite a big ask.

If you can see me

as I am taken from you,

it will be granted.

Chariot, horses

of fire separated them;

and then the whirlwind.

Father, my father!

he cried, as the old prophet

ascended on high.

© Ken Rookes 2024