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)