Memorial Day 2023

 

Let us honor 

all military veterans

who sacrificed their lives

so that we may live our lives

in freedom.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2.   Santa Fe National Cemetery ~ Santa Fe, New Mexico

Bliss

 

It is pure bliss

when I hear the sweet melody

of spring's first Wood Thrush

releasing its silvery song

from a hidden place

in these secret woods. 

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

thank you

 

I say "thank you God"

for the flowers I have picked

then my wife thanks me

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Every Living Green Thing

 

I am alive

with awareness

trying to maintain

the pace that

the green fire

of spring brings.

Leaves emerging, expanding,

filling in the forest

I used to see through.

Ferns are uncurling in the shade,

stretching filigreed fingers

toward the sky.

Wildflowers bloom on schedule,

then drop their petals

to the ground.

Warblers rush through;

feeding, flying north 

to breed and nest.

Time hurries off

at the speed of light,

already preparing for summer.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. American Beech - Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

2. Ostrich Fern - Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

3. Wild Columbine - Ada Township - Kent County - Michigan

4. Yellow Warbler - Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Songs of Singers Singing

 

A continuous banner of birdsong

was quavering

in the light of dawn.

It was like listening to the symphony

and trying to hear

each individual instrument.

This was no ordinary concert,

for the migrating warblers

had joined the year round residents.

It was the marvelous 

month of May in Michigan;

magnificent!

My ears were filled with joy

as my brain picked out

the songs of singers singing.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations (with bird ID):

1. Prothonotary Warbler - Kalamazoo River - Allegan County - Michigan

2. Cape May Warbler - Ada Township - Kent County - Michigan

3. Bay-breasted Warbler - Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

4. Wilson's Warbler - Ada Township - Kent County - Michigan

5. Scarlet Tanager - Home Woods - Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan

Path of Time

 

There are others

just ahead of me

on this path of time.

I observe them discreetly;

watching their gait,

their growing caution

with everyday movements.

Taking mental notes,

imagining myself

five or ten years older;

Will I still be running?

Will my mind be lucid?

My eyes strong enough to read?

This journey I am on,

no matter my age,

will always convey one

perennial theme:

Forever gratitude to God

for the incomparable

gift of life.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Castle Valley, Utah

2. West Elk Wilderness - Colorado

Aria of an Angel

 

Beyond the high wall of these woods,

deep in the cleavage of shade,

spring warblers sing from the shadows.

I approach this curtain of sound

with quiet alertness and reverence;

grateful for the hidden choir.

One call distinguishes itself,

separate from the warblers.

The enchanting flute of the Wood Thrush.

Sweet syllables of song.

Sharp, clear and melodious.

Aria of an angel.  

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Play the song of the Wood Thrush here: Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Chalice of Praise

Oh, the abundant blessings of my woods.

Especially during the green fire of spring.

When new Trout Lilies at my feet

uncurl their curved yellow fingers.

And in the near distance,

hidden in the gray branches,

the loyal Wood Thrush

pours out  his musical song.

Liquid notes spilling

into the understory,

filling a chalice of praise.

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Silent Performance

 

Now that May has arrived,

some trees are changing

into their chartreuse gowns.

Dressing up once again

for a season of glamor,

growth and splendor.

Drinking water and 

minerals from the earth,

taking in carbon dioxide

from the air,

and absorbing solar

energy from the sun.

A miraculous process

performed before your eyes

in absolute silence.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Canon Township - Kent County - Michigan