Setting the pace

Haiku for getting serious

They were on the road.

Their destination; trouble.

Big Jerusalem

He was leading them,

setting the pace; they held back,

anxious and afraid.

It will get ugly,

he told his friends. Always does

When you challenge them.

They fear my message,

hate me for daring to speak.

They will have their way.

Don’t ask for honour,

honour comes with pain and death.

There are no short-cuts.

The cup is suff’ring,

the baptism, it is death.

Will you still follow?

Will you follow me?

Will you be a slave to all?

Will you give your life?

© Ken Rookes 2020

Some haiku for the Narrative Lectionary, Second Sunday in Lent.

Places of Honour: Haiku

Do us a favour?

The childish plea to ensure

the result you want.

Places of honour;

you don't ask for much, do you?

They don't come for free.

Will you take the pain,

and the suffering as well?,

No worries! they say.

The cup that he drinks,

and the baptism, speak death.

Do you dare to drink?

Places of glory.

These brothers still don't get it.

Only in serving.

First in the kingdom

will be those who lose their lives,

like their master did.

© Ken Rookes 2015