Returning
to the Atlantic Ocean
is like a homecoming.
Although my home
is on a pleasant peninsula
between the Great Lakes,
the warm water
of Florida's gulf coast
is always welcoming.
The perpetual motion
of the soothing surf
carries contentment,
shimmering in the sunlight,
settling into saturated sand,
washing my thoughts upon the shore.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 3. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park - Florida
2. Grand Haven State Park - Michigan
During these brittle winter days,
under overcast the color of old chalk,
the flat clouds carry smoldering light,
while tree trunks wear coats of snow,
to accent these gray mornings.
In the gray distance,
scattered among the trees,
hunched on the branches,
a conference of crows convenes.
In their own language
they discuss the day's agenda.
Making important decisions
with their large brains
and reliable memories.
Yet easily distracted,
often irreverent, sometimes obstinate,
short of the patience required
to cooperate and forage in flocks.
They finally decide.
Where to fly.
What to eat.
When to leave
their morning place.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. 3. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan
At the bird feeder:
A Black-capped Chickadee
gives way to
a Tufted Titmouse.
The Tufted Titmouse
gives way to
a White-breasted Nuthatch.
The White-breasted Nuthatch
gives way to
a Red-bellied Woodpecker.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker
gives way to
a Blue Jay.
All winter long, the feeder
gives away a focal point
of captivating interest for Birders.
Accept the gift.
Feed the birds.
Watch the feeders.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Cascade Township - Kent County - Michigan
2. > 8. Home Feeders - Cannonsburg, Michigan
Birds fly
with a dependable rhythm.
They trust
the thrust of their wings.
Have faith
in their fine feathers.
Move with
conviction and grace.
Know how to ride the wind,
sail the transparent air.
Beyond the sublime,
toward the divine.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
3. Home Sky - Kent County - Michigan
I've blown the leaves,
pruned the shrubs, and
stacked the firewood.
Now the daylight
begins to fade.
After dinner, I will select
a book of poetry from the shelf,
and settle in for inspiration.
Now, how to choose
among my favorites:
Luci Shaw, Mary Oliver.
Dan Gerber, Ted Kooser.
David Whyte, David Lee.
Jane Kenyon, Naomi Shihab Nye.
William Stafford, Judith Minty.
Neruda, Rilke, Rumi.
And what poets
do you prefer,
dear reader?
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: My Personal Library
Hiking this rocky trail,
I gain elevation,
collect memories,
and receive blessings.
Alpine moss thrives.
White-tailed Ptarmigans
are camouflaged in rocks.
Mountains clothed in clouds.
My aging self is wrapped
in partly cloudy thoughts
of acceptance, and bright
moments of gratitude.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. White-tailed Ptarmigan - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado
3. Trail Ridge Road - (12,183') Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado
A massive dark head,
anvil-shaped and dense
with shanks of woolly hair.
Substantial shoulders.
Torso tapering to narrow hips.
A brown wedge of muscle in motion.
Black nose,
shiny when wet,
snorting, snuffling.
Brute strength
on the hoof,
this burly Bison
moving with controlled grace
over the land
it belongs to.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 3. Custer State Park - South Dakota
2. & 4. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
A mysterious,
but enlightening presence
permeates this place.
Your senses
are attentive,
eager for contact.
Even the birds,
though busy
with their feeding,
seem aware
of your appearance
and accept your silence.
Then a chickadee,
buoyant with enthusiasm,
shares its joyful song:
"Chickadee, chickadee-dee-dee."
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Cascade Township - Kent County - Michigan
2. Chief Hazy Cloud Park - Kent County - Michigan
