Kurt Philip Behm

Unbaptized Words

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 unspoiled

  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)