First there was magic,
incantation;
pure bulls
walking the walls of Lascaux,
bull leapers in Knossus.
Then worship, altars
raised to heaven,
to earth;
Aphrodite sailing
her shell-white body,
Christ ascending
on his cruciplane.
And then perfection
worshipped as magic:
Phidias caressing marble thighs,
Michelangelo creating
David’s consummate curve.
Now we bow before
ego-scrawl,
subway canvasses
posed on pompous walls;
the id-beast loosed,
numbering the earth.
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.
