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)