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Dead trees know, being

wind-taught and carved

by time. No longer desparate

wih foliage, their sap

clotted, roots unclenching,

they point flayed trunks,

unburdened of all

save one or two branches,

like Chinese characters

brushed upon the rice paper sky

or spastic crosses.

It costs them everything.

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