Unbaptized Words Poem by Kurt Philip Behm

Certificate unsigned,
pen firmly in hand

The bliss not for barter,
its insight free-stands

Faith and acceptance
may go where they please

To my grave and beyond,
the verse teaches and frees

No savior I ask for,
forgiveness I shun

Redemption for others,
new ink on the run

Till one day uncovered,
hidden deep on the shelf

A message unchristened,
buried dark and unfelt

Where the voice I was gifted,
and the music I heard

In themselves live forever
—free unbaptized words

(Villanova Pennsylvania: June,2016)