Distribution center scripture packages
are glossed and crisp, but quickly ignored
and tossed aside, a yield to reverent
excitement. The promise of what the boxes store

drives hands to uncover them, seeking the hidden
treasure of Cumorah, as if in new
gold-laced, yet-unbroken pages waits the
entire Dead Sea, where revelation ensues

naturally from the ancient. You understand
the sensation, having smelt fresh leather-
bound volumes before, the embroidered gold
marking your name with Wisdom. But all things weather

time. Wisdom freezes. Old pages are worn, colored -
altogether too comfortable. Climb
the new, where you find rebirth and God - like
returning to Chapman's Homer a second time.