At the Center of Things in Newton, Kansas

From this nexus of creation, you could go anywhere. Or you could stay put. Photo via Jeff Reimer. Turn any article into a podcast. Upgrade now to start listening. Members can share articles with friends & family to bypass the paywall. If you’re driving south on Main Street in Newton, Kansas, and you see the railroad crossing lights begin to flash and the gate arms swing down, you have two options. The first is to acquiesce to fate. This is the path of wisdom, a stoic acceptance of your lot in life. You stop and settle in. It will be a while. Jeff Reimer is senior editor of Comment magazine, and writes regularly on literature, art, faith, and culture. His writing has appeared in Commonweal, Plough, The Bulwark, Commonplace, and Image. He lives in Newton, Kansas. More Where I'm From