returning to earth

once great cottonwood

born one-hundred years ago

returning to earth

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

Lafayette, Colorado

Trail Run

The cold light of morning
glares through the windows.
I stare into the mystery
of a newly dawning day.

Soon the sun breaks the horizon;
invites me outside for a run.
On the wooded trail I push my pace
and burst through the sun's slanted rays.

My quickened breath and fast footfall
attain a solid rhythm, a familiar confidence.
Feet are cushioned by soft pine needles
as thighs and calves drive up steep hills.

I run strong under White Pines and tall oaks,
circling the perimeter of Pickerel Lake.
Nearing the finish, I push even harder,
welcome the challenge, spend what is left.

At the end of the trail
I stop my stopwatch, and proclaim out loud:
"Thank you God for this morning blessing!"

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

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

Bones of Winter

These bare branches
are the bones of winter;
persistent, persevering,
collecting snow and ice,
enduring months of cold.

Holding secrets
within their twigs.

Waiting for the 
silent light of spring
to pull liquid life
up the xylem,
to burst the buds
now lying dormant,
enclosed by winter.

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. White Oak ~ Wabasis Lake Park - Kent County - Michigan

2. & 3. American Beech ~ Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

4. Honey Creek - Seidman Park - Ada, Michigan

Cold Fingers

Sadness accumulated that winter.

It gathered in her heart,
settled in her soul,
was gripped by cold fingers,
as she waved goodbye
to her small family
one more time.

Standing alone again
on the front porch
of her cabin,
she tried hard 
to fight off the
sense of melancholy.

The view of the
snow-covered foothills
urged her to take a hike
with  her devoted dog,
to relive the 
blessed memories
of family, and wait 
for their next visit. 

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Home Fields - Cannonsburg, Michigan

2. South Fork, Colorado

How the Son of a Butcher Became a Poet

He read.
He watched.
He wrote.

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Home Deck - Cannonsburg, Michigan 

Resilient

Our dreams will endure
under the silencing snow
of suppression.

Our lives will adapt
like resilient reeds
bending in the winter winds.

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

2. 3. & 4. McCarthy Lake - Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan

Writing the Night

The moon emerges
from the clouds,
writing silver symbols
on the calm water.

A fish jumps;
splashing the message
into concentric rings.

Ripples of God's grace
shining on the lake,
radiating outward,
drawing nearer. 

Circles inscribed
with the tranquility
of moonlight.

Circles of words
writing the night.

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Home - Cannonsburg, Michigan

2. Crooked Lake - Kent County - Michigan

Large Hope

This small chickadee
sings with a large hope.

Chick-a-dee-dee-dee-ing
into the January cold.

Play: Cornell Labs - Black-capped Chickadee


Photo Locations:

1. Cascade Township - Kent County - Michigan

2. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan

3. Chief Hazy Cloud Park - Ada, Michigan

Feathers

On the belly of the Elegant Trogon,
feathers the color of tart cherries.

On the throat of the Anna's Hummingbird,
feathers the color of raspberries.

On the back of the Mourning Dove,
feathers the color of dusk.

On the flanks of the Gambel's Quail,
feathers the color of rust.

On the crown of the Sandhill Crane,
feathers the color of blood.

On the side of the Northern Shoveler,
 feathers the color of mud. 

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Patagonia State Park - Arizona

2. SaddleBrooke - Arizona 

3. Boulder Creek Golf Club - Belmont, Michigan

4. SaddleBrooke - Arizona

  

5. McCarthy Lake - Kent County - Michigan

6. Eagle Lakes Community Park - Naples, Florida