Zach Dean is special.

He is a lifelong soul boater, multi-year Green Racer, perennial Green Race safety crew (frogman), husband to the inimitable Katie Dean, elite ultra runner, and (as of this October) a Bright Shadow Headwaters Retreat alum!

Zach is turning 40 years old today, and we wanted to honor him by publishing a poem he wrote about our experience together at Camp Grier. Thank you for shining your light Zach! You are an epic human.

-The Bright Shadow Team

Being Here

What did it take to get us here?

Was it a friend, a relative, a special place?

Was it grief?

Or are we here for love?

I came down to the dock to reflect,

I was greeted by wet footprints,

I wonder how long they will take to dry?

We came to talk about grief,

All I feel is love.

A dragonfly just flew up to me,

There is a paddle on the dock,

I want to jump in the water but it’s colder today,

How nervous I was to come here,

How grateful I am for the people who took this chance with me.

I wonder how long it took the rain to make it to this lake?

Did it work hard to get here?

Suddenly I feel like jumping in,

It’s cold at first and I have to catch my breath,

Then I’m calm and the water feels soothing,

This cold body that I was nervous about jumping into is suddenly so supportive.

It’s time to go now,

As I walk back to meet my people,

I wonder how long my footprints will take to dry?

I think about the support, and joy, and love that yesterday’s raindrops provide.

-Zach Dean

Guest Post: Zach Dean

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