A View of the Plates

What wouldn’t I give
to see a solid gold miracle—
something substantial
to mold the unshaped clay
of unsettled testimony.

What couldn’t I do
for a peek at sacred mementos
that moved populations and parted seas—
especially if God left an invitation
right there in plain scripture.

What shouldn’t I know
that I'm kept from temptation’s reach—
no chance for Satan to bait a trap
with temporal knowledge or steel
my malleable soul with pride.

Whatever the reason
I lack this first-hand access—
I hold my paper copy close,
looking for messages and marvels
behind each translated line.

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• Contact me at merrijane.rice@gmail.com