Poetically Speaking: David Tensen

Welcome to Poetically Speaking: voices of the 21st century. Today’s interview is with the insightful David Tensen.

We discuss the power of poetry in the 21st century, how poetry is an offering, putting our words onto the table for others to experience and the privilege to be able to write poetry.

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David Tensen, The Wrestle

About David

David Tensen is passionate about helping individuals, families and organisations thrive.

As a public speaker, writer, poet, consultant and trainer, David brings together a unique fusion of experience ranging from business to leadership, emotional health to spiritual development.

David and his wife Natalie have three children and live on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. He holds a degree in organisational leadership and is currently working towards a PhD .

How would you discuss the power of poetry?

I think poetry can firstly be powerful for the author. To pen moments and movements in a poetic form can be more powerful than rational, at times. I like how David Whyte puts it, “poetry is language against which you have no defence”.

How would you describe your work as a writer to a stranger?

Raw. Spiritual. Empathetic.

What is your current work in progress about?

I have manuscript of collections currently with an agent. Some of the poems in it are published, some are not. Its working title is The Wrestle. In it, I have curated poems on God, life, empathy, boundaries and a series called Letters where I write to elements like emotions and the church in personified form.

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 knew
information was
never
going
to
heal
or resolve
or fix
my suffering.

Instead,
you agreed to wrestle
through many nights.
Never letting go.
Always with me
just like you promised.

Refusing to surrender
I eventually realised
that wrestling with God
was not a crime.
That I was, in fact,
being held.
Being healed.
Being transformed by finding
you beyond answers.
Being blessed
by holding on to you
in my doubt and frustration
and never letting go.

And you never let go.
And you overcame me in the end.
And we both won.

The Wrestle (c) 2019 David Tensen. All rights reserved.

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Where to find David online

Official Website: David Tensen

Poetry and Other Thoughts: David’s Poetry

Facebook: @davidtensenwriter

Instagram: @david_tensen

Twitter: @davidtensen

Do you have a poetic story to share? We’d love to hear from you.

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