Temporary Jewels

A single stalk of autumn grass,
heavy with ripened seeds,
holds the temporary home
of an unknown spider.

Its meticulous labor 
performed overnight.

At dawn it becomes
the domed receptacle
for an infinite number
of minuscule particles;
radiant and brilliant,
visible vapor.

A thousand points of light.
Temporary jewels.
Memorable gifts.  

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Ada Township, Kent County, Michigan

tractor pull

geese form a union

tractor pull in Michigan

it could happen here

© 2015 Richard Havenga

The Bench

Come sit with me
on this autumn bench.
We can watch the ivy 
surrounding us
turn yellow and red.

And comment on the people
observing us, as they
enter and leave the shop.

Let us age with confidence;
and cling to each other
as the ivy clings to 
the brick wall behind us;

content with the present,
yet open to changes.

Confident in the future.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

Joie de Vie ~ Antiques - Harbor Springs, Michigan 

Every October

Every October, 
sumac flames from the fencerow:
with leaves perfectly parallel,
with veins backlit by the sun,
with leaflets toothed and touched
by dynamic reds and oranges;
every tapered tip
pointing to its creator,
glowing in the grace
of a consuming fire.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

"...let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our God is a consuming fire."  ~ Heb. 12: 28-29

Photo Locations:  Cannon Township, Kent County, Michigan

words continue

As time extends

through this third season,

the autumn of our days;

the sun continues

its shallow arc

across our diminishing days

winds continue

to wrestle

the leafy arms of trees;

birds continue

to ride the invisible air,

to follow known migration routes;

bees continue

to enter

the remaining autumn asters;

and words continue

to dream

of entering poems.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: 

1. Townsend Park - Kent County, Michigan 

2. & 3. Ada Township - Kent County, Michigan

Taste of Morning

I love the taste of morning,
and the warm splash
of early light
upon the fields.

And the hard work 
of the farmers
coming into fruition,
approaching harvest.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

  Photo Locations:

1. Soybeans, 2. Corn & Hay, 3. Soybeans - Lowell Township - Kent County - Michigan 

reaching

reaching into space

searching for something to grasp

hope for the future

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Found Poetry 2

Often, when I'm reading prose, (usually creative non-fiction, and nature related essays) I discover during the re-reading , that certain passages sound very much like poems. I know this is nothing remarkable to writers and discerning readers, but it occurs frequently in my reading. This is my second example of "Found Poetry"...

"The liturgy of dawn signals the wonder of the arriving day. The magic of darkness breaking through into color and light is such a promise of invitation and possibility." 

from: 
To Bless the Space Between Us (A Book of Blessings)  © 2008
by John O'Donohue  (p. 191)


You may also enjoy: Found Poetry (May 18, 2015)


Photo Location:

1. Bushnell, Florida