gone

time moved on and on 

but he never learned her song

and now she is gone

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan

River of Light

 

This winding river

reflects the sky's light,

meanders through the valley,

illuminates my imagination,

inspires a current of  words

that flow with clarity.

With eyes entranced,

I am drawn into 

intimacy with the land.

Enchanted and contented

with this river of light

flowing through this moment.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

2. & 3. Crested Butte, Colorado

Canyonlands

 

Under the shadow

of the passing raven's wings,

lichen green clumps of sage

are scattered over red soil

in the silent solitude

of the Canyonlands.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

The Weight of Sorrow

 Aaron Havenga (April 2, 1975 ~ November 20, 1994)

At first,

when it happened,

the weight was so heavy

I could not lift it

off my chest;

the way it pushed

on my heavy heart.

But after thirty years

I've learned how to carry

the weight of sorrow.

Although I've aged,

my strength is greater,

the burden feels lighter,

my faith shines brighter.

Nineteen years of love was not enough,

but we will be together again.

Love, Dad

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Underwings

 

When a small chevron of geese

flies very low overhead,

just clearing the reach of trees,

with the late, lowering sun

golden on their underwings;

it makes my heart dance,

and makes my soul sing.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: 

1. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - San Antonio, New Mexico

2. Home Skies - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Possibilities

While out on a walk, a Red-tailed Hawk

suddenly swooped in without a sound.

His flared tail, a copper fan,

slowed his landing onto the branch.

He shook and shivered

his body feathers into place.

Considered this tree a possible space

to scan the ground for possible prey.

But soon became indignant

that I was watching him watch.

He lifted off effortlessly and flew away,

seemingly disgruntled by my human presence,

and searching for new possibilities.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Coming True

 

The wind is playing

in the golden trees.

Leaves and their shadows

are meeting on the ground.

Seasons are rushing past.

The years are coming true.

Plans are not promised.

Our lives are transitory.

But I am optimistic,

and abundantly blessed.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. 4. & 5. Wabasis Lake Park - Kent County - Michigan

2. & 3. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan

Morning Hours

As the autumn sun is rising,

often crimson or golden,

I'm in my writing chair

in our cozy library,

looking out the window

for new ideas, for a few

words to come together.

These few, precious hours

allow me to observe the way

the American Beech leaves

first begin to shuffle,

or the way the ambitious wind

tears the remaining  leaves

from these broad White Oaks.

Most days, these morning hours

are fruitful and fulfilling,

and I am grateful

for the enrichment

as I press pen to page,

collecting fragments;

finding my poetry.

© 2024 Richaard Havenga

My Yellow Woods

 

The lower October sun

slants warm rays

onto the golden-leaved ground

in our morning woods.

I can see farther

into the woods

now that half the leaves

have fallen.

Wild Turkeys are

racing then walking

then squawking to each other,

scurrying from my sight.

Now, except for

a White-breasted Nuthatch

making its nasal call,

all is quiet in my yellow woods.

© 2024 Richard Havenga