Support First Things by turning your adblocker off or by making a  donation. Thanks!

Driving on the Solstice, tuning in
to Public Radio, I heard a voice,
legitimately trained, a little thin,
but earnest; the soprano’s every choice

sound, in phrasing and interpretation.
She made me think of High Church, vestments, chimes,
and incense wisping at a congregation—
a proper lullaby for modern times.

Once home, I craved the Voice Squad’s plainer tones:
saw the shadows walk as blank light dimmed,
felt the dank chill in December’s bones,
and tasted pewter on the tankard rim.

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