In memory of Richard J. Havenga (June 5, 1923 ~ June 13, 2006)
For his 60th birthday,
our family gave Dad
a hot-air balloon ride.
I've never seen him
so happy, so excited,
with a smile illuminating his face.
He's lifting the fabric
so turbulent hot air
can fill the balloon.
He filled his family,
giving from meager means;
generous with the little he had.
Dad is glowing with
eager anticipation
of climbing into the sky.
Then the lift-off.
It's really happening.
He's riding the wind.
We watch Dad rise
and drift with the breeze
above the family he loved.
Over the land he farmed,
and the barn he filled
with hay and cattle.
Over the land he loved,
the fields he hunted,
the Grand River he fished.
Dad is still riding the wind.
Looking down at his family,
as we wait to join him up there.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Dad's Farm
No comments:
Post a Comment
VISITORS:
Please write a comment in the white box. I value your thoughts. I will reply to all who write.
When finished, sign your name, click down arrow, select "Name/URL", or "Anonymous", then click "Publish". Thank you.