Haiku of failed privilege
A model vineyard.
Fertile, cleared of stones, wine-vat;
all ready to go.
Planted with choice vines,
the vintage is guaranteed!
But the grapes are wild.
What more, questions God,
could I have done for my vineyard?
I shall destroy it!
It shall be devoured,
broken down, trampled; given
over to the thorns.
An allegory!
The vineyard is Israel
and Judah’s people.
God looked for justice
from his privileged people;
saw only bloodshed
Seeking righteousness,
God heard only anguished cries
from those cast aside.
We, who are priv’leged,
do we build justice, truth, hope;
are we serving love?
© Ken Rookes 2022
Sticking with the Old Testament, but poetic reflections on the RCL Gospel reading can be found in the archives for 2013, 2016, and 2019. For the 2019 reflection, click here.