Sandhill Cranes,
hundreds per flock,
fix their wide wings
in a stalling descent,
a controlled falling to earth.
They're gliding into
Bosque del Apache
National Wildlife Refuge
in New Mexico.
Yodeling their calls,
ruffling and preening
their feathers.
These muttering multitudes
creating a cacophony of sound.
A popular place to overwinter
until their spring departure.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
As time seems to accelerate
in these older years,
my attachment to life
has strengthened.
Of course there is
a sense of aching in my heart,
like things could start
to unravel in the next ten years.
my current grip on life
feels firm and confident,
like when I'm lifting weights.
Or playing tennis and pickleball.
Or swimming in the ocean.
Or hiking in the mountains.
Or photographing nature
all over this beautiful country.
Or Writing outdoors
in numerous locations.
A working combination of
adaptability, and perseverance.
Acceptance and gratitude
for my abundant blessings.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
You may also enjoy: "Acceptance" - October 23, 2023
Photo Locations:
1. Canyonlands National Park - Utah
2. Kauapea Beach - Kauai, Hawaii (12-22-05)
3. Angels Landing Trail - Zion National Park - Utah
4. White Sands National Park - New Mexico
5. Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado
Time,
bearing the constant presence of
now,
is carried away by the
wind.
Swept swiftly
into the irretrievable past.
Which is why I'm okay with
running against the wind;
prepared to get a glance
of whatever's coming at me
now.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Saul Lake Bog - Kent County - Michigan
These attractive stones
lying on the bottom
of the Kootenai River
are massaged by
the continuous current,
magnified by shallow water;
turned into a kaleidoscope
of moving, liquid color.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations: Kootenai River, Montana
Water into water.
Turbulent into tranquil.
Merging. Converging.
Water into ice.
Blending.
Mending your wounds.
Tending your hurting heart.
Ascending to a better place.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Location:
Pickerel Lake Park ~ Fred Meijer Nature Preserve - Kent County - Michigan
The inner landscapes of my mind
have been shaped by a language
learned and discerned
from connections with nature.
Mountains, meadows, woods and fields.
Rivers, lakes, oceans and streams.
They blend together to become
the geography of my dreams.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Canyon de Chelly - Arizona
2. Wyoming
3. West Elk Wilderness - Colorado
