Temple Square — Past and Present

Past 

Through iron gates shine 
Bronze doors never opened—Holiness to the Lord. 
Sun, moon, and stars live in granite, 
Carved by dead ancestors 
Whose handcart and family group in life-sized cast 
Personify the mystery in human toil. 
Seagulls over fountain expand to pantheism 
The hand of God, a domed tabernacle. 
Inside a pin drop innocently entertains passersby. 
Outside small statues of Joseph and Hyrum stand silent.

Present 

In the shadow of World Headquarters 
Name-tagged tourist guides 
Point to the Protestant Christ with outstretched hands
Bidding all to embrace the new.
Replicated oxen reflect the light of flash bulbs 
Forming souvenirs for droves 
At the home of the famous choir. 
Posters and talking mannequins explain Bible prophesy.
Manicured flower beds make the grounds attractive. 
A large statue of Adam and Eve recounts a familiar story.