In memory of Aaron Havenga (April 2, 1975 ~ November 20, 1994)
Pure joy
radiates from his face
at age four, as he spins
in his circle of life.
Making a small, round wave
in Lake Michigan
that still reaches me,
still touches me.
I've been circling
for decades
into the future
without him.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Pentwater State Park - Pentwater, Michigan
Photo by Mary Havenga © 1979
in late November
last leaves collect the last light
brief glow in tree tops
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
In late November,
when all the leaves have fallen,
the Weeping Willow
retains possession
of its golden collection;
narrow, tapered fingers
pointing at their future
among the others
on the cold, hard ground.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations: McCarthy Lake - Kent County - Michigan
From afar,
I have always loved
small herds of horses,
and the mountain meadow
pastures where they live
with apparent contentment.
These large, beautiful animals,
grazing in the grass,
in the shadow of mountains.
I can sense
a peaceful, easy feeling
of intimacy with the land.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
3. Cut Bank, Montana
I was walking
through the piney woods,
absorbing the view
between the trees,
when I suddenly spotted
a Barred Owl,
the color of pine bark.
Perfectly camouflaged
among the branches.
He stared at me so intently
with his shiny black eyes.
I froze in my place,
held my breath,
tried not to blink.
Could not look away.
I felt embarrassed for
my clumsy invasion,
intruding on his privacy,
trespassing in his domain.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
You may also enjoy: "Trespassing" ~ August 27, 2025
Photo Locations:
1. Seidman Park - Kent County - Michigan
2. Juvenile Barred Owl - Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
The moon is like a living thing.
I give it much more attention
than the average human being.
It travels across the night sky,
and sometimes lingers in the daylight.
Appearing and disappearing.
Growing and shrinking.
Waxing and waning.
I anticipate her fullness,
rising after the sun has set.
I eagerly seek
her first new crescent;
a sliver of silver,
and miss her when she's hidden
behind the overcast.
I photograph her in all her moods,
and write poems about her.
My friend the moon.
Worthy of reflection.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Home Sky - Kent County - Michigan
2. North Fort Myers, Florida
3. SaddleBrooke, Arizona
4. Crooked Lake - Kent County - Michigan
5. Vero Beach, Florida
6. Home Sky - Kent County - Michigan
7. Bozeman, Montana
brittle leaves hang down
wall of cornstalks stand rigid
ready for harvest
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan
melancholy days
sadness accumulating
in the fallen leaves
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan
2. Fremont, Michigan
