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Small persimmons, squashed and tangy sweet

Among dried leaves, in chill vanilla air,

Arrest us on our way along the street

Leading to Maymont grounds. Most trees are bare.

Grandpa, who took us by the hand

To paradise, we beseech you, bring,

In those transparent bottles from so long ago

Filled with water from the Byrd Park spring,

Bring us your blessing, you who know,

Perhaps, what lies beyond that autumn park,

That long-lost and remembered southern land,

As we prepare to leave-”for it grows dark-”

Guide us, grandpa, take us by the hand.

”Robert Greer Cohn

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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