Listening and Telling

 

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