After wading thigh-deep in the gulf,
screening the bottom sand for shells,
I angle back into the shore
to show you my best
treasure of the day,
to be added to my collection.
Then I offer you a salty kiss.
A shared treasure.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Sanibel Island, Florida
2. North Fort Myers, Florida
Across this broad field of sage,
a Western Meadowlark is perched;
on a fencepost, on a barbed wire.
From this distance
I can barely make out
his sunrise-yellow breast
with the black tie
pointing down his neck.
I delight in his melodious call,
streaming over the plains;
a long banner of song
curling into the warm wind.
This gift of music,
given by the meadowlark,
received with gratitude.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations: Hesperus, Colorado
Within this soft peace,
I seek contentment
inside my solitude.
I step cautiously between
the Jack-in-the-Pulpits
and Trillium's white purity.
I listen attentively
to the Scarlet Tanager
and the Red-eyed Vireo.
The Holy Spirit enlightens me;
brings inspiration
to my words.
I glorify the Creator,
and express gratitude
for these precious gifts.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 4. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
2. & 3. Grand River Basin - Lowell, Michigan
Through the dense green foliage
of my Red Oak woods,
at first I cannot spot
the Scarlet Tanager
as he unravels his song,
then my eyes are carried
up into the canopy
of glossy leaves
where he sings his song
of short phrases
alternating high and low.
A performance that will last
through the dense green summer,
when I'll be privileged to get
a few, brief glimpses of
his elegant gown;
splendid elements
of black and scarlet red.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Scarlet Tanager Song:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Scarlet_Tanager/sounds
Photo Locations: Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
Under a sky-blue ceiling,
I open the green doors of spring.
The first words to appear
are like veins extending
in newly born leaves;
expanding to capture sunlight.
I feel the sense of longing;
the desire to hold back time.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan
2. & 3. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
