The first part of this sequence of haiku was published in January. I have reprinted it here, along with the second part published now. Together they tell the whole story of the boy Samuel’s encounter with God
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.
Listening and telling
Haiku of punishment
Now he knows the rules
boy Samuel is able
to listen to God.
Bad news for Eli;
the corruption of his sons
has not gone unseen.
Punishment is nigh
for Eli’s house; there’s no way
he can avoid it.
Samuel’s anxious,
tries to keep it to himself,
doesn’t tell Eli.
Eli’s insistent.
What did the Lord say to you?
Hide nothing from me.
Samuel told all.
Fair enough, said Eli. God
will do what he must.
No point pretending,
Your deeds will catch up to you,
eventually.
© Ken Rookes 2024