Yesterday, in Australia, the announcement to close many of the spaces people gathered in was made from our Prime Minister. Already, there was a slowing of things as more citizens self-isolated. The impact of these…
Browsing Category Poetry
That photo of you on your first day of school – A poem on growing up
THAT PHOTO OF YOU ON YOUR FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL When I look at that photo of you on your first day at school; I mean, really look at it; I see myself. I see…
Now+Here – A poem for desert seasons
It could feel Like you are nowhere For 40 minutes For 40 days 40 years, perhaps. One thing is certain; At first You will believe you’re lost. If you’re lucky Loneliness and despair Will tap…
Count Your Losses – a poem on transition
You could start by counting your losses. Knowing that what’s gone, Is gone. It’s important to let that happen Before you move on. Like exhaling before you inhale again. Otherwise, your lungs may explode. Long…
Elders – a poetic call across generations
ELDERS The campfire-till-coal talks The long-ride-home talks The coffees-until-closing talks These are the conversations my generation thirst for. Elders, where are you? Why are you not listening? When did you get stuck? Where does it…
Oh God – a poem
‘Oh God.’ Five letters. Two words. One exhale. Full stop. ‘Oh God.’ All my voice could say. Trusting that my very being would fill in the detail. ‘Oh God.’ Hand over mouth. Hand over heart….
Ancient Paths – my most dearest poem
Of all the poetry I’ve written, this piece is the dearest to me. It has been a faithful companion to me for the past year. One of two I’ve committed to memory. It remains a…
HELD – Poetry on unconditional embrace
“Dad, I’m gay.” Confessed the young man And his father embraced him Just as he’d always done “Mum, I’m gonna be a single mum.” Confessed the young woman And her mother embraced her Just as…
The Wrestle – poetry and reflection on the importance of wrestling with your faith
THE WRESTLE I found you beyond the ‘why’. Far from the ‘why not’. Worlds from the ‘why me’. You held a space for me beyond answers to questions my pain had as if you…
That Fire – poetry and reflection on God’s judgement, fire and love
Possibly one of the most theologically challenging pieces I’ve released. This poem and reflection approaches the concept of fire from a different perspective than is common is popular (preached) Western Christianity today. The reflection includes…
Dear Strength – Poem and Podcast
DEAR STRENGTH Why have you not returned to me, my Strength? I need you back for good, my Strength. But you only visit on occasion. Why? What are you doing, my Strength? I had plans…
The Paradox of Definition – a poem and audio
Listen to this poem in gentle audio – followed by reflection and thoughts by David Tensen I have so much to say so many words a lifetime of my own a millennia of others…
Dear Church – A Poem
Dear Church, I’ve struggled to visit your gatherings. Not because you hurt me, But because you held so much hurt… and I had the hardest time ignoring it. Even though you wouldn’t see it, the…
And You Wait – A Poem
I wanted to do my own thing. And You let me. After all, You gave me this will. This floundering will that gives me a sense of me a sense of control a sense of…
Kind of Way – A Poem
I know that you know. So I should probably confess it. Not because it’s a bad thing. But because it’s normal and necessary to admit you’ve disappointed me and continue to. Although I don’t mind…
So Close – A Poem
I have to say it’s been a challenge developing a friendship with those so close they can be overlooked and forgotten on the best of days and the worst. Yet, there you are. Three in…
Who Took Your Voice – Three Poems
Prologue: There are many reasons we lose our voice. What came to the forefront as I wrote these three poems was the devastating effect of shame and trauma in our lives – which not only…
Dear Breakdown – A Poem
When I saw you coming over the horizon I braced myself. With your strong gaze and constant gait I began to suspect you were on assignment or I had summoned you unknowingly. I’d seen what…
Tender Heart – A Poem
When you foster your tender heart Rich experience appears on life’s palette And you paint with vivid expression In one minute You may find yourself Beholding beauty and horror In one hour You may find…
Never Vowed – A Poem
Like touch of hot iron hand withdrawn wrist held burn assessed lesson learned vow made ‘never again’ ‘Yet, not every iron is on but still be careful’ – Like dinner date declined heart withdrawn chest…