Shoftim: A Septuplet of Haiku

I
Worship an idol
be put to death. These are the
laws of our people.

II
A king shall write two
Torah scrolls in his life. No
mention of a queen.

III
Priests get no land, but
unlimited free meat and, God
their inheritance.

IV
No sorcerers or
mediums. in other words
No Coney Islands.

V
Only the prophets
speak for God. The murderers
get their own cities.

VI
Let’s all build houses
and get married. Then no one
has to go to war.

VII
May I suggest we
treat all people like we’re told
to treat their fruit trees.

Rick Lupert, a poet, songleader and graphic designer, is the author of 23 books including “God Wrestler: A Poem for Every Torah Portion.”