Silent Impression

The summer clouds
undulate on the lake,

inverting the scene,
enhancing the view;

focusing my vision
on this silent impression.

Contours of creation
recognized and respected.

The possibilities of language
carry quiet significance.

Aesthetic pleasure provided,
artistic satisfaction accepted.

I am blessed with 
this moment of privilege.

The Creator is pleased
when we notice.

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Pickerel Lake Park ~ Fred Meijer Nature Preserve - Kent County, Michigan

2. McCarthy Lake - Kent County, Michigan

monument

rising through the dawn

a monument of mountains

collecting color

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: 

Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

Singing Branches

The leaves on the branches
are singing with the wind.

The bluebirds on the branches
are singing their dedicated songs.

The poem 
I wanted to write
never got started
for all the singing 
from the branches. 

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:  Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Benevolence

Tubular clusters
of orange Butterflyweed
umbrella summer grasses.

Delicate petals
of wild Rose
beautify country roadsides.

The luxurious
summer solstice
has matured into mid-July.

Benevolent rain clouds
begin to build
promising needed moisture.

Where will
today's journey
take me?

How will I write
about my love of the land,
and all the gifts it holds?

I shall let this poem end
and feel the rain 
softly upon my shoulders. 

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Luton Park - Kent County - Michigan

2. Spring Creek Road - Almont, Colorado

3. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan 

4. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area - Utah 

5. Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

Writing on the Deck

"Is it an old man's hunger to take in all he can of what's left of his life?
... to save what I can for them to see through my eyes?" ~ Dan Gerber *

Aging sweet peas arch
from an antique vase;
decorate my writing table,
capture my curious eyes.

The stillness of an empty blue sky
is cradled by the glossy canopy of trees.

A lively little wren hops along the handrail.
A hummingbird hovers over the petunias.
Steeples of Delphinium blue the green shadows.
A Pileated Woodpecker hammers in the woods. 
A cicada cranks up its hypnotic, electric buzz.

Despite the comfort of these morning hours,
the days rush past, seasons change swiftly,
but I am out here; a witness.

Surrounding trees breathe in silence.
Then a soft breeze stirs,
lifting graceful fern fronds.

Like the breath of God
confirming these words,
blessing my time,
giving this day.

Filling my soul 
with gratitude.

© 2018 Richard Havenga

* Excerpt ~ "In Our Rented Cabin" from Dan Gerber's book: Sailing through Cassiopeia © 2012

Photo Locations: 

Home Deck, Home Garden, Home Woods.

A Trace of Hope

As evening settles slowly,
the last Great Blue Heron
of  your fulfilling day
rows his gray boat
over the wetlands,
back to the rookery.

Then the sky flares crimson
against the softening clouds
aflame for a moment
then gone too soon;
but you were out there.
You were a witness.

You stand still on the porch
as dusk seems to pause,
waiting for you to recall
the highlights of your day;

before you enter
the bright light inside,
where you can illuminate
the lives of others with
more than a trace
of hope.

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Rogue River - Rockford, Michgian

2. McCarthy Lake - Grattan Township - Kent County, Michigan

3. Grand River (Jupiter Bridge) Plainfield Township - Kent County, Michigan

Morning Greeting

My morning greeting:

Catbird calling 
from secret green shadows
auditioning several songs.

Young cumulus 
sailing on a ship of wind
powdering the blue sky.

Sweet peas 
climbing upon themselves
painting a profusion of pink.

Colors of crimson
blending with blue
smoothing wrinkled water.

My response:

Watching.
Listening.
Sharing.

My reply:

Giving
gratitude
for given creation.

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations

1. Wabasis Lake Park - Kent County - Michigan

2. Home Sky - Cannonsburg, Michigan

3. Ada Township - Kent County - Michigan

4. Pickerel Lake Park / Fred Meijer Nature Preserve - Kent County - Michigan