Fear tries to keep you small,
presses you under its wide thumb
so you never want to leave the house,
make the phone call, pray for help.
But sometimes you pry yourself loose,
slip out into the winter night
Night dweller
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.
Night dweller
Fear tries to keep you small,
presses you under its wide thumb
so you never want to leave the house,
make the phone call, pray for help.
But sometimes you pry yourself loose,
slip out into the winter night
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