Fear

Fear, an emotion that takes over our every sense, that blinds us, cripples us and leads us to destruction. Fear, is man’s worst nightmare, fear of the unknown, fear of unrequited love, fear of rejection, fear of loneliness, fear of an uncertain future, fear of ill health and above all, fear of death .

Fear, an emotion, an aberration, not easy to conquer, not easy to drive away, nor to ignore. Creeping in when least expected, tying us in knots, reducing us to nothing, and bringing us down to our knees. Often, fear it is that causes defeat, but fear not always detrimental, can lead us cautiously through life’s dangerous paths, to keep us safe from harm and danger .

So what is it that creeps on us, in the dead of night, when the magic of the moonlight turns eerie, when the comforting noises of the night turn sinister, what is it that comes to possess our spirit? Slight misgivings that grow like monsters, to spread their icy fingers, around our heart, squeezing out our very life . What is it that calls on us, this nameless fear, with no calling card, this wraith like faceless being ? Where does this dread rise from, to descend like a heavy cloud, to enfold like a shroud ?

Is it a physical entity, is it a creation of a fragmented mind, a question that we are often left with, once it has passed. What can create this indelible mark, what is this unexplained fear ? Does it stem from an unforgiving past, from relentless regrets, are we dancing with the dead, or is it a premonition of an impending disaster, an event yet to unfold? And as we surmise and try to comprehend, the shadow of the presence still lies heavy on us .

Strange this creature that roams the dark, sometimes to take shape, at others a passing figment, but just as perilous its presence, each time. Stop, I say to the being, stay behind, you who have no name. I cast away your ghastly shroud, and will not let it weigh me down . Happy thoughts I swathe me with, the love of dear ones I clad me with, my faith in the Lord I shield me with, and then I know you can do me no harm .