A platoon of pillars.
Pale green and rigid.
Pointing to the sky.
Thick, bulging arms
grow out from the torso,
curve up to the sun.
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Persevering and patient.
Enduring the relentless desert.
Saguaro Cactus survive.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 3. Catalina State Park - Oro Valley, Arizona
2. Picacho Peak State Park - Arizona
From here,
in the Sonoran Desert,
I can see the pines
outlined along the ridge
of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
In that expansive space
between here and there,
a single raven rides the air.
Broad, black wings glossy
in the wide blue sky.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations: Arizona
An hour before dawn,
we were packing to leave
on a long road trip.
A cold and silent morning.
The sky was still dark
and strewn with stars.
As we got on the road,
we saw a faint brightening
on the eastern horizon.
And this new day
slowly opened around us,
silver with possibility
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Home Fields - Cannonsburg, Michigan
When we decide to slow down,
to leave the phone at home,
and go outdoors to engage in
intentional listening,
we will be practicing
the concept of yutori.
And we will be rewarded
as we contemplate
our life space,
and express gratitude to God
for our experiences outdoors.
A soft breeze whispering through
the fine needles of White Pine.
Birdsong streaming from
the density of green woods.
The rapids of a mountain stream
rushing over rocks, splashing boulders.
The faint chirp of crickets
on a late summer evening.
When we decide to listen.
Gifts we can give ourselves.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. White Pine - Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan
2. Indigo Bunting - Cannonsburg State Game Area - Kent County - Michigan
3. Taylor River - Gunnison County - Colorado
This tall cottonwood
rises above the frozen lake.
Frosted by winter fog.
Ghosted by morning light.
Astonishing my sensitivity.
Dazzling my grateful eyes.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: McCarthy Lake - Kent County - Michigan
The reader meets the writer
on the page or on the screen.
And within that relationship
a significant bond is formed.
A learning, an understanding,
a shared emotion, an insight.
Sharing distinct imagery through
a unique blending of words.
Experience joins imagination.
Awareness enhances vision.
The interior voice
has emerged to be heard.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Location:
Lake Michigan @ Wilderness State Park - Mackinaw City, Michigan
Sitting at the shoreline again,
watching shorebirds feeding.
Waiting for the right words
to come in with the tide.
Perhaps they will arrive today.
Maybe tomorrow.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
