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
