You’re with us still, your names engraved in stone,
?Inscribed in bronze, recited every May.
?Fresh flowers”mums, carnations, roses”say
?The pain’s still fresh: our grieving’s never done.
?Your serried graveyard markers”though you’re gone”
?Compel reflection on Memorial Day.
?Our sculptors’ art preserves your mortal clay:
?Each marble image conjures flesh and bone.
We’ve promised that we’ll always keep you here,
?But memories etched in rock must disappear:
?The steles raised to keep you in our sight
?All fall to dust beneath the centuries’ might.
?Time mocks us when we swear your fame must live:
?We feign a gift that only God can give.
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.
