He sat on a log
on the gravelly bank
of the mountain stream,
in quiet contemplation.
Listening to the talking waters.
Studying the current
roll over rocks,
bend around boulders.
Until it flowed
into writing
that pleased
his soul.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Taylor River - Almont, Colorado
2. Arkansas River - Buena Vista, Colorado
This is a gift
created for you.
It was offered to me
by the Holy Spirit,
in the middle of the night,
as I awoke from a dream.
I accepted it with reverence
and deep appreciation.
And now I am honored
to share it with humble generosity.
I hope you will accept
these simple, yet profound words:
God is love,
and God is the answer
to your questions
about directions.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
It feels like I'm wading
into a smooth river of sleep.
The water feels warm,
the current slow and deep.
Ready to be carried away
inside a soothing dream.
Hoping to remember where I've been
when I get to my destination downstream.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Oxbow Bend - Snake River - Grand Teton National Park
2. Grand River - Kent County - Michigan
Fed by Lake Erie,
the turquoise turbulence
tumbles upon itself.
Surging and heaving
within its banks.
The Niagara River rapids
are racing to "The Falls",
ready to thrust its abundance
(75,000 gallons per second)
over the edge.
Where a magnitude of sound
astonishes millions of tourists;
blowing their minds with
this prodigious power
and extravagant display of creation.
And now a double bonus
when you arrive at this place:
the fine spray of mist on your face,
and a persistent rainbow
glistening with light.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. 3. & 4. Niagara Falls State Park - New York
Silver veins of water
weave and wrap
around dark rock,
obey gravity,
carry the mountain's
meltwater, fall
to a tributary,
to a river,
to its ocean
goal.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Location:
I have let myself
love this world,
and it has loved me
in return.
I have shared
its gifts;
the quiet secrets,
its hidden treasures.
I have chosen
beauty, mystery,
and the intricacies
of nature.
Each time I respond
with sincere gratitude,
I am given more,
always more to discover.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Oro Valley, Arizona
2. Pink Lady Slipper ~ Townsend Park -Kent County - Michigan
3. Hollyhock ~ Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan
4. Redbud ~ Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
I drive from Michigan to Montana,
to admire the sweep of the big sky.
Afternoon cumulus climb the slopes
of the Mission Range; pile high
and wide over Flathead Lake.
A sailboat is moored with sail down
prepared to ride out the inevitable storm.
I am prepared to watch,
untethered.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Location:
Big Arm, Montana
You were always blessed
with the gift of awareness,
and you nourished it
with devoted attention.
Growing your garden
with a choice selection
of solemn, suitable words,
placed in warm, welcome soil.
Now, patience,
now emergence,
now blossom,
now fruition.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan
