The Steeple of Ste. Odile

Dear Ste. Odile, 
Do you not see the point? 
I chose you quite by chance 
My sheer sister 
From among all the others 
To be the gnomon 
Whose measured shadow falls 
On all my delicate sorrows 

I was thinking only 
Of the sharp beauty 
That you sew into the sky 

Why did you draw me 
An arbitrary pilgrim? 
For I lost myself 
In the high dwindling 
Of your Gothic schemes 
As you raised 
Your long, ascetic finger 
Warning the insouciant 
streets 
To behave and pay attention

Next
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Our Most Popular Articles of 2025

The Editors

It’s been a big year for First Things. Our website was completely redesigned, and stories like the…

Our Year in Film & Television—2025

Various

First Things editors and writers share the most memorable films and TV shows they watched this year.…

Religious Freedom Is the Soul of American Security

Christopher J. Motz

In the quiet sanctuary of West Point’s Old Cadet Chapel, a striking mural crowns the apse above…