Inside Herself

A soft, shimmering breeze
awakens the aspens;
wakens the woman
watching.

Fluttering on petite petioles,
these leaves,
like little rounded hearts,
generate stimulating rhythms.

Tickling her fancy.
Triggering warm shivers
deep inside
her self.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: 

1. Ouray, Colorado  

2. Grand Mesa National Forest - Colorado 

Serching for Grace

Autumn leaves 
are landing
softly on the stream.

Like grace trickling
through the moment,
sliding into the future,

floating around the bend,
gathering downstream;

joining
a congregation of others
still searching

for grace.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Grand River - Grand Rapids, Michigan

2. Flat River - Fallasburg Park 

3.  Bear Creek - Townsend Park - Kent County, Michigan

Lavender Fog

Watch the slow, silver
approach of dawn.

Arms of leafless trees arched
and etched in silhouettes.

Waiting for the birth
of this brand new day.

Anticipating color,
seeking soft, lavender fog,

and the first notes of birdsong
before they're sung,

and the simple gifts of creation
waiting to be opened

as soon as they arrive.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: 

Oakwood Cemetery - Plainfield Township, Kent County, Michigan  

kneeling

out here on the range

this cowboy knows when to kneel

and show his respect

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Sharon Springs, Kansas

Water Love

Soft as a butterfly's touch
on a flower petal,

the evening calm
whispered to the water,

then a gentle rain kissed her skin;
the smooth, dark silk of the lake. 

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 

A Single Stone

While sharing 
my desires and gratitudes
within these lines,

perhaps 
you have come 
to know me.

But who are you
when you enter
these poems?

And before you leave,
is there a single
shiny stone

you would like to pick up?
And after it glistens briefly
in your palm,

will you put it in your pocket
and carry on with your day,
and be pleased this evening
when you find it again?

And be surprised
by the warmth
it has attained
from your body?

Reminding you
of treasure,
this simple pleasure
of a single stone.

More permanent
than mere words
left to linger
on a forgotten shore.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

Glacier National Park - Montana  

The Vault

for Michelle Ogren - Music Director at St. Patrick Church 


As we sing and exalt His name with praise,
may song illuminate our precious days.

May song echo through the vault of our skies
and reach its goal: be pleasing in God's eyes.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Grand Teton National Park ~ Wyoming  

2. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan