Another Vineyard

Haiku of fruitfulness

Another vineyard

story. This time tenants, rent,

paying what is due.

How much is Jesus;

how much from gospel writers

offering hindsight?

One more parable.

Aspects of allegory;

who represents what?

Shades of Isaiah’s

vineyard producing wild grapes.

But the fruit is good!

Heaps of violence

as the greedy and corrupt

execute their plan.

The son, too, is killed.

Our thoughts are led to the end

of Jesus’ story.

Judgement takes its place

at centre-stage. The warning:

produce kingdom fruits.

You who were the first

to receive grace, from you much

will be expected.

If you won’t bear fruit

you’ve moved outside the kingdom.

Others will enter.

Priests and Pharisees

heard the penny drop that day;

these words were for them

© Ken Rookes 2020 

Paying the rent

Haiku for paying one’s dues

It was occupied

by disrespectful tenants;

the famous vineyard.

Watchtower, wine press

and fenced on every side,

what more could you want?

Think of all the grapes!

The profits must be immense;

go and get the rent!

The wicked tenants

refuse to pay, beating up

those sent to collect.

The story is told

against the privileged ones

who will not bear fruit.

Hand over the rent,

bring forth the righteous bunches

of justice and love.

The angry owner

comes as judge to sort things out,

showing no mercy.

Those on the outside,

sinners and tax collectors,

will be given their place.

The rejected block

has been made the cornerstone.

That is what God does.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Some haiku for the Narrative Lectionary, 2nd Sunday in Lent.