This message -- "Treasure chest hidden in Rocky Mountains finally found" -- actually appears to be the final clue for finding the treasure, even as most seekers and fans will simply assume that the game is over and look no further. For them, it *is* GAME OVER. Free will, free choice.
I only vaguely remember hearing about this treasure hunt. Thus the poem and the search story are essentially new to me as I found the article, but upon reading, it looks quiet old and familiar, beginning with the man's name, which describes where I live, the property.
In fact, this Spring I began working my way directly through the thicket to make a path across the forest fen which is a kind of a mire to the secret island, by using piles of raked leaves to fill the bog enough to make a walkable path. Then lop the branches, fill, stomp, fill, stomp, fill, advance, lop, repeat. Someone might hit me on the technical definitions but I'll keep going..
I didn't get too far as I had other tasks, and now it has become a rather dense understory with a dark canopy. With enough energy, time, and bug spray I could head on out to do a little more "paving", but all of those are in short supply.
Anyway, I immediately noticed that the poem is jammed packed with Biblical allusions. A veritable treasure-trove. Fenn, fun, pun, what's not to love, but few if any have been willing to join me. Yet the water is warm so I'll go ahead and wade right in anyway.
As I have gone alone in there
And with my treasures bold,
I can keep my secret where,
And hint of riches new and old.
That's quite a... testament.
Begin it where warm waters halt
And take it in the canyon down,
Not far, but too far to walk.
Put in below the home of Brown.
Who hasn't heard of James, the "Godfather of Soul"? May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006 (73 - wisdom, חָכְמָה)
From there it’s no place for the meek,
The end is ever drawing nigh;
There’ll be no paddle up your creek,
Just heavy loads and water high.
The pun truly is mightier that the s-word, which is also the name of a creek.
Moses is the meek man "drawn out" of the mire of the "flags" - the "suf", the end, edge. Moses said he had a heavy tongue.
If you’ve been wise and found the blaze,
Look quickly down, your quest to cease,
But tarry scant with marvel gaze,
Just take the chest and go in peace.
The wise men came from "Back East", presenting treasure.
They were warned to head home another way.
So why is it that I must go
And leave my trove for all to seek?
The answers I already know,
I’ve done it tired, and now I’m weak
Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
So hear me all and listen good,
Your effort will be worth the cold.
If you are brave and in the wood
I give you title to the gold.
He who owns the gold makes the rules, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Proverbs 25
12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Well that's just from a quick glance, but I say give this man a hand. He probably solved it with one hand tied behind his back. There are 1296 verses in the King James Bible, in any case. 1470 total individual hands, which when converted to minute hands on a clock is 0 Dark Thirty.
If the Man of the Forest is reading this post, I could send him the photo of this particular chest. It's white, sitting below the high rocky mountain, resting right in his own backyard after a long trek, even got the alpha-numeric Pincode to open it up. It's a National treasure. God loves a cheerful giver.. on and on.
Hope that helps.
“I do not know the person who found it, but the poem in my book led him to the precise spot.”
