Aching for Acre, in a sacred ague,
They’re setting out. They wear only their nightgowns,
These ageless androgynes, these little angels
Who raise their wooden swords and hymns of glass.
They’re saying how the journey there will be
A stroll between aquariums reviewing
Divisions of moray and scorpionfish,
The laughing seahorse cavalries of heaven,
Jerusalem like candy on a shelf
A child on a child on a child
(All three on tiptoe) might just reach, and God
Himself the next shelf up. Their smallest soldier
Shoulder by shoulder climbs the swaying tower
And gets his hands around a jar of ashes.
Time is short, so I’ll be direct: FIRST THINGS needs you. And we need you by December 31 at 11:59 p.m., when the clock will strike zero. Give now at supportfirstthings.com.
First Things does not hesitate to call out what is bad. Today, there is much to call out. Yet our editors, authors, and readers like you share a greater purpose. And we are guided by a deeper, more enduring hope.
Your gift of $50, $100, or even $250 or more will bring this message of hope to many more people in the new year.
Make your gift now at supportfirstthings.com..
First Things needs you. I’m confident you’ll answer the call.
