December's Silent Night

 

Among the gratuitous

gifts of winter:

A large, rounded Cottonwood

feathered in frost.

Racks and stacks of firewood,

cured to be burned for our warmth.

Dark bones of trees stretch

long arms into cold air.

Ice Bells suspended 

above Bear Creek.

Loyal Northern Cardinals

bringing vibrant color to snowy days.

The dim glow of January sun

trying to melt persistent icicles.

The snow falling through

December's silent night.

© 2025 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. McCarthy Lake - Kent County - Michigan

2, 3, 6, & 7. Home Yard & Home Woods

4. & 5. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan