Come Here, Fear

COME HERE, FEAR

Come here, fear,
come out of the dark.

Sit next to me—
it’s okay, you’re safe.

Tell me, has anyone listened to your story?
Has anyone gazed

Into your stony eyes—
Rubbed your hunched back?

Here is a blanket
for your cold bones,

Bread for your stomach,
and tea for your nerves.

I promise to listen,
to your amazing story!

In Pharaoh’s reign, your heart
was hardened, over and over…

Come closer, fear

Here’s my hand—
please touch it

Come near,
I want to know you.

Come here, fear,
I want you to know me.

— © Abraham Menashe