Encompassed at all corners by such fine
a cadre of companions, knights, and flags
as could be wished by any modern mistress
between her piles of trashy plastic bags,
take care you mind your station and your manners.
As hallowed as the doe or white-faced owl;
as basic as black-standard-bearing banners;
as crucial as the Cross and cleric’s cowl
are these to you, who have no other place
of peace except in syndicate of fairies,
etched-glass affections, unpretentious grace,
waxen, lit wicks, remorse, and pale Hail Marys.
Ignore the crass; observe”if there is need”
cats’ cradles, china, the Apostle’s Creed . . .
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.
