The child hears a voice,
assumes it is that of his substitute father,
(who else could it be?)
and rises from his slumber
to attend the aging priest.
On the third occasion
the old man wakes up,
realises it just might be the voice
of the almighty.
Disturbing prospect,
still he tells the boy how to answer.
At the fourth attempt the young acolyte
finally gets the message,
then lies awake for the rest of the night,
ears tingling with worry.
Like we all do when first addressed
by divine mystery;
until we realise that the divine spirit
is part of the deal.
It’ll be all right, frightened boy Samuel;
sure, your worries have multiplied
a thousandfold,
but you’re not alone.
© Ken Rookes
