Monday, March 4, 2024

Healing and life

Haiku for those who grumble


The people grumbled,

impatient with their progress,

circling Edom.


Why have you brought us

out of Egypt, to die here,

in the wilderness?


No food, no water;

we detest the stuff we eat,

this pitiful food!


God was not impressed,

sending poisonous serpents

to bite the people.


Many people died.

They learned their lesson, saying,

sorry, we have sinned.


Moses prayed to God.

God answered: The serpents stay,

but no one need die.


Mount a bronze serpent,

on a pole. Those bitten shall

look on it and live.


It happened like this:

Those who looked upon the snake

found healing and life.


© Ken Rookes 2024

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