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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.

© 2023 The Christian Century.

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Poetry

I Sit Among the Mothers

by Emily Patterson in the May 2025 issue
Published on May 27, 2025
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in the balcony, summer heat risen, 
legs stuck to the pew. Cross

my hands, uncross them. Cross 
myself at the altar: bread 

and blood, body and wine.  
Wind my way back, grief quiet 

as the wafer on my tongue, 
soft as a hymn hummed

by a child, unheard.

This poem appears in the May 2025 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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