Today, I am sharing a poem by Helen Dean, who describes her poetry as unapologetically evangelical. I would love to speak with her someday about what this means to her—how it shapes her writing, her voice, and her perspective. But in the meantime, I love this poem—its fierce honesty and beauty create a space within me to wonder once again about wilderness—the places of emptiness and encounter, of silence and revelation.
“Trying to Write A Wilderness Triptych (This Is That)”, by Helen Dean
Three waxed leaves hinged together, on topic.
When everything holds together, is held together,
Themed. By Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
A rejoinder to the boy who boasted too much,
Who tried to offer things not his to give.
You’ve lived away longer than you needed?
“They lived in the wilderness for a long time” and
“You did not do it with your own sword and bow”:
“I delivered you”, “I gave you”, I went before you.
All heaven-showered, a total gift of God.
“It is by grace that you have been saved,
Not by works so that no one can boast.”
Treading, threading, testing, tempting,
Thirsting after a touchstone, torch, true
Testimony, some tenderness, to be taken care of.
Those with ears to hear will find treasure trove.
Why not visit the Hard Rock Café on your way out?
There’s precious spring water there for free.
Helen Dean, February 2024
