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The body has a clarity

Between high and low hierarchies

tenebras et luces.


He would be undone

Who for too long scorns

Either throng to court the other.


Vengeance is mine clamors

Each. Angel bright of

Intellection, her glittering


Sword sends straight to

Heaven. Angel dark of

Palpitation, her furious


Pockets bulge with victims.

No body, any body.

Does a body lie between


For habitation? A clarity

Of green stretches between

Heavenly chant and infernal refrain.


There, the body rests

From the heat of the day

In the shade of a cultivated tree.

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.
GIVE NOW