Day was done.
The laborers lined up
hands outstretched
for a denarius.
Their weary bodies
bore the signs of
harvesting grapes
in the scorching sun.
“It’s not fair!”
the indignant cry
suddenly rang loud
in the sultry air,
while in disbelief
the first watched those latecomers
happily receive
the same wage
promised them.
“I’m not cheating you”
came the prompt reply
of the gracious landowner
eager to stem
the flow of angry words.
Complaining voices still
rose and fell
in the gathering dusk
disturbing the peace
of the now cool vineyard.
Talk of just earnings
finally faded away,
for the Lord was sovereign
offering a reward to all
who served him.