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