Slow, old python of my Everglades,
he astutely picks where he invades:
data dumps; the depths of lower courts;
knotted weeds in annual reports.
Rounded figures fail to square; a will
screws the worthy with a codicil.
Minds don’t meet as handshake deals unravel.
Lawyered butchers walk; accountants cavil.
Hear him honing clauses. Hear his hiss
polish premises and promises.
Check what he has brushed.
Sly visits leave
parasites no handlers perceive:
propositions snaking through the skin
set to spawn in pustules of fresh sin.
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.
