Soulful Regrets

I was inspired to write this poem after viewing this photograph by Julia Thomas titled: "Soulful Regrets". 

He belongs
on this Chicago street
like a chiseled sculpture
belongs in an art museum.

His memories
now hidden
among the creases
and the shadows.

Long days in black and white
that never quite attained
the colorful dreams
of his youth.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

for Julia Thomas - Photographer

website: Julia Thomas Photography

Gestures of Dawn

gestures of dawn
paint a watercolor sky
above the new horizon

the pulse of the earth
with signatures of spring
reach toward heaven

mystery still lives
like the invisible stars
of daylight

the language of praise
echoes the past
embraces your heart

exposes your soul
expresses your voice
arranges the words

in the language of God

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: 

1. Bushnell, Florida 

2. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan 

Book of Songs

The pulse of the earth
is quickening.

Old trees creating
new leaves each spring.

Returning warblers
open their book of songs.

Every April our inheritance
is renewed.

Time again to celebrate
victory over winter.












Old trees with new creation
in their branches.

Holding birds that sing
with triumph in their songs.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Silver Maple - Chief Hazy Cloud Park - Ada, Michigan

2. Blue-winged Warbler - Goodwillie Environmental School - Ada, Michigan 

3. Tamarack - Ada Township Park - Ada, Michigan

4. Indigo Bunting - Cannonsburg State Game Area (Egypt Valley) - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Warmed by Words

As you sit here
with these lines
flowing over you,

may you be warmed
by these words
like the welcomed sunshine

of early spring
warms the skin
on your grateful face.

As you walk outside,
whether in mountains or meadows,
may a stream of blessings
wash over you.

May your eyes be young again
so you will recognize
the daily invitations
that secretly surround you.

May you become an earthen vessel
filled with creativity and awareness,
mindful of sharing these sacred gifts
with illuminated reverence and gratitude. 

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Canon Township - Kent County, Michigan

2. Santa Catalina Mountains ~ Tucson, Arizona 

Sweet Syllables

I am listening
to the sweet syllables
of the Song Sparrow
spilling from the spruce;

spending his energy
on every note
as if it was
his last.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Call of the Song Sparrow from Cornell Labs

Photo Locations: Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

The Open Hand of God

Taste the delicious light
this lucent day in April.

Smell the soil coming alive
from overnight rain showers.

Hear the chorus of birdsong
rise like secrets from the woods.

See the tapered tree buds
swelling with vigorous life.

Touch the open hand of God
with gratitude for creation. 

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

Shagbark Hickory - Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Harvest of Riches

April 2 is a very meaningful date in my life for three reasons:

The birthday of Aaron Havenga, (April 2, 1975 ~ November 20, 1994).

The 42nd anniversary of my Journal (April 2, 1975 ~ present)

The fifth anniversary of: Walk With Father Nature (April 2, 2012 ~ present)


I title this anniversary post "Harvest of Riches" because I want to gather into the storage barn...

... a bushel of my favorite poems from recent years. It was difficult to choose from the 340 poems stored securely within these stone walls, but please open these old doors, and read the twelve favorites this old poet has harvested from the archives... (Click on the highlighted titles to go to that post)

The Same Sun ~ August 5, 2013

Unspoken ~ September 30, 2013

Only Silence Remains ~ October 14, 2013

Aspen Fire ~ October 21, 2013

You ~ February 5, 2014

Witness ~ August 18, 2014

Future Prayer ~ November 17, 2014

God Whispers ~ June 8, 2015

words dreaming ~ January 4, 2016

How These Words Became a Poem ~ March 14, 2016

Given ~ December 2, 2016

Desire Waiting ~ February 6, 2017


Thank you to all of my loyal viewers, and to those who have recently arrived. I hope you will explore the hundreds of entries in the TOPICS section, and search the ARCHIVES through the 600 posts I've written over these five years. 

I would love it if you would insert your email into the white slot above, to receive WWFN free each week. Please continue to follow my work, and share WWFN with your friends. I sincerely appreciate your presence. 

Gratefully,

Richard Havenga