After more than a century
of enduring and surviving,
while thirsting under sparse rainfall
on these sun-bleached plains;
this ancient Cottonwood
has surrendered to time.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Location:
Louisville, Colorado
You may also enjoy "surrender" November 23, 2020
Aren't we all
irresistibly attracted
to the edge of the ocean,
because when we gaze
across this vast space
supporting a limitless sky,
we strive to contemplate
eternity?
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. Sunset Beach, North Carolina
a pair of Mute Swans
ornament the icy lake
wings of white satin
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Reeds Lake - East Grand Rapids, Michigan
You may also enjoy swans from another season:
"Autumn Watercolor" ~ Oct. 24, 2012
Perhaps a lighted candle
does improve the prospects
of a prayer achieving its purpose.
Who knows?
Maybe God notices the humble light
flickering with possibility,
affirming the hope
of the one who lit it.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Location:
Our Lady of Light Catholic Community - Estero, Florida
I'll try to put myself
inside the head
of a friend
from Viet Nam,
who lives in
Miami and Naples
when she comes to
Grand Haven
or Traverse City
during a winter
in West Michigan
to experience
for the first time
snow crystals
falling on her face
and how wind chill
feels on her skin
when the temperature
is eight below zero
and the wind is
blowing at twenty-four
miles per hour
gusting to thirty
and the stubborn
overcast has persisted
for nearly five weeks.
Then if she
stays a few days
and is patient
enough to listen
while dressed
in flannel and fleece
I will lift up the
handy mitten map
of Lower Michigan
conveniently located
at the end
of my left arm
and proceed
to explain
"Lake Effect" snow
as she's reaching
into her purse
to check the
departure time
of her
return flight.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan
2. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
in January
sun glow pouring through windows
warms my winter heart
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Location:
Home Windows - Cannonsburg, Michigan
He loved to walk
along mountain streams;
upstream.
And stop often
to sit on a boulder
and listen to the water rush.
And to watch
the bold current splash
against pure light.
To look upstream
at the future
coming at him.
Or look downstream
at the past
beyond change.
Sometimes he would gather
flat, rounded rocks
to build a cairn.
His mind concentrated
on structural design,
balance and stability.
It all brought real comfort
and genuine contentment
to his mountain soul.
This is where he belonged.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Location:
Arkansas River - Buena Vista, Colorado
Harvesting these
seasons of the year,
the years of this life.
Standing at the edge of time,
watching the broad horizon,
grateful for abundant blessings.
Seeking deeper spiritual perception
by listening for the voice of God
in the wind, in the waves.
Praying for inspiration
from the Holy Spirit
to make these words
worthy to be read.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Acadia, Michigan
2. & 3. Grand Haven State Park - Grand Haven, Michigan
