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Now, in April, when lilacs shake 
in gusts of rain, the crown-like buds 
Waving thick and green on sceptre tips, 
I ask myself: What have we been. 
We two curled tight in winter’s dark?

And when lilacs fully unfurl themselves. 
Their heart-shaped leaves. 
Their fragrant towers, purple or white. 
Then what will we be 
And what can we do as recklessly?

Robert Schultz

Dear Reader,

You have a decision to make: double or nothing.

For this week only, a generous supporter has offered to fully match all new and increased donations to First Things up to $60,000.

In other words, your gift of $50 unlocks $100 for First Things, your gift of $100 unlocks $200, and so on, up to a total of $120,000. But if you don’t give, nothing.

So what will it be, dear reader: double, or nothing?

Make your year-end gift go twice as far for First Things by giving now.
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