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Since 1900, the Christian Century has published reporting, commentary, poetry, and essays on the role of faith in a pluralistic society.

© 2026 The Christian Century.

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Poetry

Lullaby

by Joseph Bathanti in the February 12, 2020 issue
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Let the holy man shear the sheep.
Trust the blade. It conjures sleep,

and drugs the ewe upon her knees,
whets the rite of intimacy.

She lets him cut away her robe.
In each bronze eye revolves a globe.

The shutter flash collides with light.
The farm is trussed in mist tonight.

 

This poem appears in the February 12, 2020 issue.

We would love to hear from you. Let us know what you think about this article by writing a letter to the editors.

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Since 1900, the Christian Century has published reporting, commentary, poetry, and essays on the role of faith in a pluralistic society.
 


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