Signature of the Rain

 

It must be pleasant to live

at a small, inland lake,

and enjoy the simple benefits

that are often overlooked.

Like watching the tracks

of the wind on water,

or the simple signature

of the rain.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Hovering Pen

 

Sometimes,

my pen hovers 

above these blue lines

on my yellow pad,

hesitant, and groping.

Waiting for anticipation 

to molt into inspiration.

Awaiting a song lyric

to spark a starting line.

To find by chance,

a ten year old poem

from my old notebooks.

To reinvigorate

my lyrical poetics,

my creative imagery.

To activate my

hovering pen.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Sumac

 

As September merges with October,

Staghorn Sumac captures our attention.

Displaying a pleasing palette

of bold autumn colors.

Perfectly pinnacle leaves aligned.

Flaunting red, orange and yellow

on sharp-toothed leaflets

tapering to their tips.

Crowned with clusters

and clumps of fuzzy berries

in burgundy and scarlet;

our showy, native shrub.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1, 2, 3, & 4. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan

White Oak

 

This massive White Oak

sends its roots 

deep into the earth,

probing the heart of gravity.

Its crown spreads wide,

capturing life-giving energy;

the miracle of photosynthesis

performed with the summer sun,

under a transparent sky.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Lowell Township - Kent County - Michigan