The Baptiser warns

 Haiku of preparation

The Baptiser warns

the crowds who come to hear him.

It is time, repent!

This brood of vipers

come out of fear, to escape

the coming judgement.

Produce in your hearts

and in your deeds, fruits worthy

of your repentance.

Don’t trust in your race

or that you are one of God’s

privileged people.

Share your possessions,

be honest, deal fairly, don’t

abuse your power.

They asked John, Are you

the one who God is sending?

I am not the one.

Not I, but one comes

who will set your souls on fire.

This is my good news.

© Ken Rookes 2021

Flash robes

 

Haiku for the self important

Religious leaders,

shaped by pride, just like us all;

no better, no worse.

The erudite Scribes,

learned, apparently wise;

enjoy the honour.

Flash robes, the best seats,

places of esteem; the Scribes

are lapping it up!

They like to look good

but don’t care about justice;

they will be condemned.

The rich can pretend

to be generous; the poor,

giving freely, are.

She gave all she had

to live on; this poor widow.

True munificence!

Generosity:

stamped into the DNA

of God’s creation.

© Ken Rookes 2021

An abundant harvest

Haiku for a capitalist world

Jesus, we are told,

refused to act as a judge

between two brothers.

He told a story

to warn against greed and wealth.

Take care! he told them.

The love of money,

a later follower wrote,

gives rise to evil.

Ignoring others

when your needs are paramount

leaves no place for love.

Building bigger barns

in which to store one’s riches.

Keep them for yourself.

Wealth and more money,

cannot satisfy the rich;

there’s never enough.

How empty the hearts

of the wealthy; emptiness

that is never filled.

Best give it away,

create some empty spaces

for God to dwell in.

© Ken Rookes 2019