If not now, when?
Love speaks
A poem about conquering fear
by Rose Niles
The
Resurrected Jesus
Speaks
Mainly
Of conquering fear—
“Do not be afraid”
Over and over—
I consulted the exhaustive
Concordance
And this is true
Attested
By all the witnesses
We have—
Do not be afraid
Do not be afraid—
Every time Jesus
Shows up to me
And to us all
The greeting of all greetings:
Do not be afraid.
When we are confused
Overwhelmed by hate
And violence
Let Jesus speak
Let Jesus speak
Do not be afraid
Listen to the voice of your own life
Of exclusion
Of whom is to be most feared
Your own hate
Listen
Do not be afraid
That is the answer
From Love
Baptized, reared, and ordained a ruling elder in the Bronx at the age of fourteen, Rose Niles has served the church as a teaching elder, pastor, and supporter of theological education. Rose is bi-racial, a daughter of immigrant parents, a mother of one phenomenal woman, and a lifelong pilgrim. Amazed, she finds herself in Houston, Texas, serving Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary on this leg of the pilgrim journey. You can read more of her poems here.