Unification

Haiku for a kingdom

David reigned as king

of Judah, there in Hebron;

ruled for seven years.

With King Saul’s demise,

and his sons', David is left

as the most likely.

Israel’s leaders

approach David at Hebron:

We are family!

While Saul was our king

it was really you who led

us into battle.

The time has arrived

when God’s promise is fulfilled.

You shall be our king.

You’ll be a shepherd,

watching over my people,

ruling Israel.

They made covenant,

David, the elders, before

the Lord, at Hebron.

They anointed him

to rule them, to reign as king

over Israel.

Reigning in Judah

seven years, thirty-three more

over Israel.

From Jerusalem,

renamed City of David,

he ruled Israel.

Blessed by God, David

became greater and greater.

The Lord was with him.

© Ken Rookes 2024

Punishment

 

Haiku to be avoided

A fallen woman

personifies the city;

weeping, abandoned.

She's been unfaithful

to God, and all her lovers

have abandoned her.

She was exalted,

a princess; now she's become

but a bond-servant.

The roads to Zion

mourn, streets are empty, no one

attends festivals.

Grieving and groaning;

she is a desolation.

Her lot is bitter.

Enemies prosper,

the suff'ring is great: even

her children are gone.

For her many sins

Judah is left desolate;

punishment from God.

There appears no hope

in images of despair.

For that we must wait.

© Ken Rookes 2022