The Voice in the Wilderness

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I am baptizing you with water, for repentance,
but the one coming after me is mightier than I.
I am not worthy to carry his sandals.

Matthew 3:11

Saint John the Holy Glorious Prophet, Baptist, Forerunner - Menologion of Basile II


There is a voice

shouting out a song of repentance.

Even vipers will gather in his shade.

He sings to you

of water,

and the need of your spirit to turn back.


He humbles himself,

reminding some

that there is one greater,

still to walk this desert,

in whose sandals

he could never tread.


There is a voice

filling the wilderness with lyrics.

The sheep come

to have water poured over,

the goats brood in their pompousness,

turning farther from God.



copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr

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