Only a boy

 

Only a boy

Reflecting on Jeremiah 1:4-10

Haiku for a call

Calls himself a boy,

Jeremiah; just how old?

fourteen, seventeen?

The word of the Lord

came to boy Jeremiah

to blow his young mind.

Before you were formed

in the womb I knew you; called

you to speak my word.

Seriously, God?

I don't know how I should speak!

I'm only a boy!

It's okay, said God,

Go where I send, speak my words;

fear not. I'll be there!

The Lord touched my mouth

with his hand. I put my words

in your mouth. Speak them!

I appoint you to

pluck up and pull down nations;

to build and to plant.

Samuel, David,

Jeremiah and Mary;

God's youthful brigade!

© Ken Rookes 2025