Here I am

Haiku for a call

There, in the Temple

at Shiloh, boy Samuel

served under Eli.

For many years now

God has been silent. No word,

no visions, either.

Samuel, resting

in the temple, with the ark

of God, heard a voice.

Samuel! The voice

called twice. Here I am, he said,

and ran to Eli.

I did not call you,

said Eli. Lie down again.

This happened three times.

Eli realised

that ‘twas God calling the boy;

told Sam what to say.

The Lord came once more,

calling, Samuel! The boy

said, Speak, I’m list’ning..

When you’re just a kid

it must be daunting when God

calls you by your name.

© Ken Rookes 2024