a reflection on the Parables of Matthew 13
“Riddle-me riddle-me riddle-me-ree,
Perhaps you can tell what this riddle may be:
As deep as a house, as round as a cup,
And all the king’s horses can’t draw it up.”
These childhood rhymes from long years past
Taught by our parents, oh what a blast!
Oh what agony, Oh what bliss
As we struggled to answer, but only by guess!
So does the Christ with seed and yeast
Birds, fields and pearls – to say the least.
Fish, angels, fire and gnashings of teeth
All in parables for us to bequeath!
“The struggle to know is blessed,” says he
The kingdom of heaven is no mystery.
Stretch to see treasures both new and old
And recognise their value, you don’t have to be told.
Well, what is so deep? Well, what is so round?
Well, what is so strong against horses that pound?
Well, tell me the answer – stop grinning with glee
‘Tis before your eyes if you’ll but open them and see!
(c) 2020 Dennis Ryle
Wondering Pilgrim 