Again the Question

Haiku for reading the signs

Apocalyptic
imagery to puzzle
and to disconcert.

In those days, he said,
even the skies will rebel:
the sun, moon and stars.

The end times have come,
not because heaven says so;
the planet is lost.

Look at the fig tree,
or at the barrier reef;
the extreme weather.

We ask the questions:
Where is God in all of this;
what are we to do?

When the master comes
the servants are expected
to have done their jobs.

Keep alert! Wake up!
The hour, the day is coming;
perhaps it is here.

Again the question:
What does he expect of you,
who carry his name?

 

© Ken Rookes 2017.

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Of all his stories

Haiku for a servant people

Imagination
is engaged less by constructs
than by parables.

He told his stories;
cunning, sneaking up on us,
causing us to think.

Many parables
cause us to squirm. Banish them;
choose other verses.

His stories trouble.
This one disturbs more than most;
gives no place to hide.

Unavoidable!
The king, (Jesus), expects us
to care for others!

Naked, in prison,
hungry, homeless or stranger;
we must show them love.

The neighbour in need
is an opportunity
to love your master.

Make no excuses.
We will be judged by our deeds;
by how we have loved.

 

© Ken Rookes 2017

Thinking too much

Our collective heads
hurt us when we think too much.
Those contradictions.

 

© Ken Rookes 2017

Playing safe

Haiku for faithful stewards

Talents were immense
lumps of money, like a big
CEO payout.

The so-called experts
don’t agree, but a million
will get somewhere near.

Another story.
This time three slaves are summoned,
trusted with big bucks.

Their freehanded boss
is going on a journey.
Take care of my things.

You know how it goes:
Five talent man makes five more;
two talent man, too.

When the boss returns
he commends them. You’ve done well,
I’ll trust you with more.

The one talent man
got cold feet; panicked, anxious,
hid it in the ground.

Here we are! he said
when he came before the boss:
All safe and secure!

He is not impressed.
Security is worthless;
learn to take some risks!

Get out of my sight!
You cannot serve God’s kingdom
if you play it safe!

 

© Ken Rookes 2017

You must be ready

Haiku for the faithful

You must be ready!
He tells his friends a story,
as is his practice.

Ten bridesmaids with lamps
go out to greet the bridegroom;
a flaming escort.

The neighbourhood girls
invite themselves to the feast
with dancing and song.

The bridegroom is late.
The maids rest their heads and sleep.

The lamps keep burning.

The shout at midnight:
Here he is! Come to meet him!
Bridesmaids trim their lamps.

Five have brought spare oil.
The other five entreat them:
Give us some of yours!

There won’t be enough.
Make haste and rouse the dealers;
buy oil for yourselves.

They return, their lamps
recharged and burning brightly.
The rest have gone in.

The door has been shut.
Lord, lord, let us in! they cry.
Sorry, you’re too late!

Set your sights upon
the kingdom, Jesus told them,
make yourselves ready.

 

© Ken Rookes 2017