Poet & Priest: The Rev. Rick Bellows

Poet & Priest: The Rev. Rick Bellows

“I am a priest and poet. I write poetry to speak to others’ hearts, and for myself—to clarify my thoughts and feelings and to convey them with nuance, clarity, and ambiguity. I explore reality, especially life's simplicity and complexity, with poetic disciplines that aim for brevity.”

The Gospel According to Jesus the Incarnate

I am the messy conception, I survived a scandalous debut, Dirt for true incarnation, For purity won’t help God be you.

My mom? She wasn’t perfect, Practicing nagging as an art, She’d search me for any defect, And hold on to things in her heart.

My parents put on the pressure With every story they’d tell, And if about life I was unsure? My God, it felt like hell!

My friends mostly were all jerks, Misunderstanding whatever I’d say. They showed me just how betrayal hurts. Yes, for their sins I’d pay!

So trust me, I know life ain’t easy. Like you, I’ve faced the worst, From anger or feeling sleazy, To having such desire I’d burst.

Oh, I’m the messy incarnation, Who survived a scandalous end, Became dirt for true intervention, Transfiguring stranger and friend.

Truth Slipped In

Truth slipped in last night, the truth that I am losing my mind. With it I welcome sadness, not for me—I barely notice me slipping away, but for my lover—she sees. She sees through eyes washed blue by weeping, my eyes shut as I slept beside her, but then I woke up—now I know.

Truth slipped in last night. She shared her tears as they were doing their work— delivering her through each drop, She was born again with This knowledge of evil and the eclipse of good.

Truth slipped in last night, bringing into sharp relief the lay of the land— its promised hills and valleys, but I can bear to continue on the path, because I realize she is ready now— ready to hold on to my heart.

Remind me when I forget to tell her I love her. Help us welcome truth each dark night.