The Shiny Ocean

 

I long to hear the song

of the shiny ocean

gliding onto shallow shores,

polishing the slopes of sand

with brief  shimmering light,

again, again, again.

I want to return

to the seashore

to watch the shorebirds

dancing in and out,

leaving tiny, temporary tracks

along the reach of the surf,

that rinses away 

any trace of their tracks.

To witness the Brown Pelicans

flying in formation

close to the surface, then

plunging their massive bodies

headlong into the water;

coming up with a scoop

of cold fish soup.

After these many winters

hiking dry desert washes,

I thirst for the sensation

of waves washing my feet,

and the wide horizon curving away,

carrying shiny ocean dreams.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Neptune Beach - Oregon

2. Sunset Beach, North Carolina

3, 4, & 5. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park - Naples, Florida

emergence

 

just like moody love,

the full white moon emerges,

then it disappears

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Home Sky - Cannonsburg, Michigan

ice bells

 

hung above the stream

my Christmas decorations

ice bells of Bear Creek

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan

The Bridge

 

While volunteering my time

at "God's Kitchen" and

"Degage Ministries"

in Grand Rapids,

especially during

the Christmas season,

I feel like a bridge

between love and need.

In the crossing,

the giving becomes receiving.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Mackinac Bridge - Lake Huron - Michigan

God's Kitchen

Degage Ministries

Still 3

 

I am still listening

to wind and rivers

as they each speak

in their unique

languages.

I am still watching the clouds

as they beautify the sky,

and the rain, as it moistens

the thirsty

land.

I am still aging,

but growing in patience,

accepting the reasons for seasons

and the passage of

time.

I am still living a life

of profound attention.

Working to reveal the blessings

that surround me.

Writing, to share the miracles

in nature.

Waiting for more inspiration

to come.

Watching the long light of evening

spreading across the landscape,

and these words

spreading across long lines of the page.

Enjoying this small segment of time,

still wanting just a little more. 

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Snake River - Swan Valley, Idaho

2. Home Sky - Cannonsburg, Michigan

3. Alamosa, Colorado

4. Ada Dam - Ada, Michigan

Proof

 

Like the wake of a boat,

we leave evidence

of our lives lived.

The silver undulations

spreading across the lake

sustain their own energy.

And eventually touch the shore,

causing small ripples of sound.

Proof that we once lived.

Proof that our purpose

is more powerful

than our past.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Wabasis Lake Park - Kent County - Michigan

Black Mirror

 

The black mirror of this pond

appears even darker when

surrounded by winter's first snow.

A Belted Kingfisher drops

from a Black Willow branch;

plunges into ice-cold water,

shatters black reflections

of overhanging trees;

comes up empty.

Rattles away to a new site.

Reflections return.

Winter tightens its grip.

Wants to make white ice.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Cannon Township - Kent County - Michigan

Next Spring

 

How did you get to be seventy four?

You retired with some goals in mind,

and some of them were achieved.

What to do with all this

time

on your hands?

Embrace it.

Pursuing your passions:

Writing. Reading. Running. Nature Photography.

Spend your time outdoors.

Bring the outdoors inside

your poetry.

Next spring,

plant some trees and shrubs

that will outlive you.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Home Woods

2. Moab, Utah

3. Home Garden

Approach

 

Approach each day

with eager anticipation

for the gifts

we are about

to receive.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

2. Sunset Beach - North Carolina