Monday, October 9, 2023

Filling the Balloon ~ Riding the Wind

 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 

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