by David Tensen | 30 Sep, 2023 | All, Poetry
Pay close attention to the wisdom of your body in the quiet seasons, in the waiting times, in the desert times. This is where those you had no time for, demand your attention once more. Rumi suggested you invite the unexpected visitors in for tea. Jesus suggested you... 
by David Tensen | 16 Sep, 2023 | All, Poetry
Perhaps humility feels like this: to shut my mouth, quiet my critique, and make space for sappling and seed only time away from tallness. To leave generous gaps in the canopy of wisdom. To recall that I too remain dependent on the elements and shelter of neighbours... 
by David Tensen | 21 Dec, 2022 | All, Poetry
I’m looking for 14 people who want to learn to write and publish poetry to join me in this 5-month immersive writing and publishing adventure. All the details are here: https://poetrychapel.com/poetry-chapel-collective-experience/ Poetry Chapel... 
by David Tensen | 29 Nov, 2022 | All, Poetry
I’m so incredibly proud to announce that the latest Poetry Chapel volume of poetry releases TODAY across the world. 🎉 You can grab your copy via all online retailers and here from me in Australia. For me, the thing that makes this collection so incredibly... 
by David Tensen | 21 Nov, 2022 | All, Poetry
Poetry Chapel Volume 3. An anthology of exquisite poetry by mystical poet Chelan Harkin alongside 12 selected poets from around the world. In Australia? Get it here direct from via link below. Elsewhere? Find it worldwide here Bouquet of Stars- Poetry Chapel Vol. 3... 
by David Tensen | 30 Aug, 2022 | All, Audio, leadership, Poetry
I appeared on a podcast to talk about my life, faith and poetry. The NINE LIVES podcast centres around the Enneagram. (I identify as leading with the 9.) If you are into podcasts, you might like it, especially the 2nd episode where I share honestly on some tough... 
by David Tensen | 11 May, 2022 | All, Poetry
The advanced copy arrived!! I’m really excited to share the first looks at the new poetry anthology! You’re going to love it!! Poems by me and @poetrychapel collective poets. Out mid June.Details for preorder and book launch team on its way soon!ISBN :... 
by David Tensen | 7 Apr, 2022 | All, Poetry
My father cleaned offices weeknights.My mother took the weekend night shifts, as a nurse.My wife is a night owl. My teen kids too.I’m happy to get up when it’s early.I write best when the dawn breaks.That quiet morning fridge hum is the perfect companion... 
by David Tensen | 4 Apr, 2022 | All, Church -, Poetry
I don’t recall sharing this perspective on my thoughts around Ephesians 4:9-16 publicly. Partly because, when I developed it in 2017 I was travelling among several church circles which held a more exclusive view of who might be called an apostle, prophet,... 
by David Tensen | 28 Mar, 2022 | All, Church -, Poetry
It was a simple workshop exercise; write down one word or more that describes how a Church Pastor should behave. The 100+ counsellors and pastors attending the webinar hit their keyboards and the chat stream filled up faster than you could say ecclesiastical theology.... 
by David Tensen | 18 Mar, 2022 | All, Poetry
Fading like the day.Life had been kind to mother’s bodybut not her memory. Mother called her by many names;Alice, Betty, Corrine,as if to scour the alphabet -but never guessing beyond E. She didn’t mind though.She knew her mother’s bodyremembered... 
by David Tensen | 16 Jan, 2022 | All, Poetry
If you must,deconstruct. Take every part;weigh, measure,keep and discardnecessary things. Take all the timeyou need. Butdo not campin the ruins. Discuss discoveriesbutdo not raise monumentsto your brilliance -brave as you may be. Instead,in time.build something... 
by David Tensen | 4 Jan, 2022 | All, Poetry
If crying in the presenceof loss or beautybreaks the mouldyou squeeze yourselfand all men into,call me a girl. If expressing my inner worldthrough movement, music,art and poetrymakes you squirm’cause that stuff’s dumb’,call me girl. If defending the... 
by David Tensen | 23 Dec, 2021 | All, Poetry
Take all your hope and longing;cover it in blood, urine, faeces, straw.Cut the chord to your dreamswith a field knife or clenched jaw. Here lays the King of the Jews.Crowned between thighs,Held in arms of exhaustion.Bathed with tears, sweatand the soft tonesof a... 
by David Tensen | 29 Nov, 2021 | All, Poetry
The longing for lost thingsbegins as you do. Your mother was more mobilebefore you filled her belly.She lost her balancealong with sleepand shapeand random acts of selfishness. It’s strange;even thoughwe breathe lossinto our forming lungsbefore air enables a... 
by David Tensen | 14 Oct, 2021 | All, Poetry
This is the cheeky post before the official launch date post but I can’t wait to share this with you. This new poetry collection was written and published with a number of emerging poets. And I must say, it is simply beautiful. If you are a physical copy lover,... 
by David Tensen | 13 Sep, 2021 | All, Poetry
A woman’s body is not yours, son.And yours not hers.Never forget, she’s not yours to possess. Before you hold her to your hip,hold her in your heart, son in love. in adoration. in mutual respect. A woman is not a goal to... 
by David Tensen | 21 Jun, 2021 | All, Poetry
Perhaps this is you?! I’m looking for people interested in being part of a poetry and publishing collective. Here is what I have in mind, if it sounds a bit vague, it’s because I’m creating something I’ve not seen before. If the following... 
by David Tensen | 15 Jun, 2021 | All, Poetry, poetry tiles to share
It seems this poem does resonate beyond Australia’s borders. I hear a quiet whisper among concerned parents like myself, but few step up to say much. 
by David Tensen | 25 May, 2021 | All, Poetry
25 years ago I was born again into a tradition where speaking in other tongues was taught in a hyper-personal context. Reading Acts Chapter 2 again this year over Pentecost, I came to see a different picture – one that meets me in my current season and stage of... 