Monday, April 30, 2018

joining


slender willow twigs
joining lake and marbled clouds
touching the future

© 2018 Richard Havenga



Photo Location: Cascade Township - Kent County, Michigan 


Thursday, April 26, 2018

silk and dew



get down in the grass
to see these superhighways
made of silk and dew

© 2018 Richard Havenga


Photo Location: Grattan Township - Kent County, Michigan 

Monday, April 23, 2018

Woven



While walking
within the quiet,
I was gifted
with the golden threads
of a Canyon Wren's call
woven into the air
between canyon walls.



Just that one long song.
Then I was embraced
by silence
again.
© 2018 Richard Havenga




Listen to the Canyon Wren call from Cornell Lab of Ornithology


Photo Locations:


2. Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, Colorado


Friday, April 20, 2018

Black Shadows



A Turkey Vulture is
hanging on a stiff wind,
tilting, turning, trying
to adapt 
to an undetermined course.



These black shadows
of wide wings,
a shallow V
slicing the air,
gauging the gusts.
© 2017 Richard Havenga




Photo Locations: Grattan Township, Kent County, Michigan

Monday, April 16, 2018

crocus confidence


freezing rain and snow
followed by drizzly mist
warm afternoon sun

© 2018 Richard Havenga




Photo Location: Home Garden - CannonsburgMichigan 



Friday, April 13, 2018

Foundation


The dark bones of the trees,
these tapered branches,
rattle in the breeze,
begin to flail as the 
relentless wind
pushes harder. 



Even the tall trunks,
solid at the base,
sway at their tops,
giving in,
accepting the will
of this storm
that cannot last.



Like the suffering
loss of a loved one,
the winds will 
eventually, recede.
The roots holding
a firm foundation
of faith. 
© 2018 Richard Havenga



Photo Locations:

1. Home Woods - CannonsburgMichigan

2.  Minooka, Illinois




Monday, April 9, 2018

Holy Water


April rain showers
bring a shine to these
winter-weary woods.


Moles resume their
muzzling push through
moist and softened soil. 


Mayapple stalks
probe, pierce, and lift
layers of leaf litter.



These spring showers,
like holy water,
bless the earth awake.
© 2018 Richard Havenga



Photo Locations

1 - 4 = Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan 



Friday, April 6, 2018

You Can Write Haiku



and now it's your turn
to try to write a haiku
about this photo
© 2018 Richard Havenga

Please use the traditional 5 - 7 - 5 method.

After you've revised your haiku into your best writing, please email it to me @ 
richmaryh@gmail.com

I will select the best haiku and publish it (with this photo) at WWFN in the near future. 


Photo Location: Crooked Lake - Grattan Township - Kent County, Michigan


Monday, April 2, 2018

The Three of Us

In loving memory of Aaron Havenga (April 2, 1975 ~ November 20, 1994)


Aaron: Before you were born,
we held your sister Sarah,
and loved her deeply.



You can see in the photos
how the three of us wanted 
a baby brother for her.


Then you were born,
and our joy was multiplied.
Our family complete.



Mary and I watched
the two of you play together;
always together,
making your own fun.



Sarah loved you deeply.
You loved her too.
You took care of each other.


We took care of you and Sarah.



Somehow, nineteen years sailed by,
and you passed from this life.
Your sister now brotherless;
your parents counting the years,
carrying a suffering love for you. 



The three of us carrying on, 
carrying our memories of you
deep in our hearts.

Because we carry
the Spirit of God,
which dwells within us. 
© 2018 Richard Havenga



Photos 1 - 6 by Mary Havenga, from Sarah Havenga's collection.