epiphany

Prior conceptions
go up in a flash,
the gospel acted
out as long ago
when no one could read

and to be exposed
to the word of God
required something
overdramatic
for an offering,

embroidered robes or
feats of memory,
faith was sustained as
extinguishable
shivering candles

at night were maintained
for the dead by the
dying, when shadows
lengthened and children
struggled to attend

their eyes flickering
from ceiling to floor,
catching a sight of
the preacher’s hand raised
to stifle a yawn