Ocean Lyrics

 

These unrelenting waves

surge over the sandbar,

then swish and hiss

upon the sloping shore;

repeating the ocean's lyrics

in a pulsating presence:

now,

now,

now...

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Pacific Ocean ~ Oregon Coast

2. Pacific Ocean ~ Carmel-by-the-Sea, California  

 

  

Golden Trumpets

 

During the pearly light of dawn,

I thought I heard the sun

announce its imminent approach

just below the eastern horizon.

It began as a soft murmur

in subdued tints of rosy gray,

reflecting off the cold waves

of Lake Superior.

Then the sun flared into sudden sight,

and golden trumpets played the new day.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Lake Superior - Paradise, Michigan

2. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan

 

Harvest of Days

 

From the fertile fields of time

comes a bountiful harvest of days.

Clouds like linen may lay

on a bed of blue sky.

Or a thick, gray overcast

will shed sheets of rain.

Or a brilliant rainbow

may arc in the clouds,

bringing the promise

of a brighter tomorrow.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Perplexity of Dreams

 

Meteorologists call them

Fair Weather Cumulus.

Poets see a fleet of small ships

sailing on an ocean of sky.

Small paragraphs of thought

to entertain your brain.

White pillows to rest your head.

Cushions that accumulate, dissipate.

Like the transient

perplexity of dreams.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

 

Photo Locations: Home Skies - Cannonsburg, Michigan

 

 

 

Pool of Poetry

 

My pen is poised

over this yellow pad

like a heron's beak

above the river's surface.

Ready to plunge

for a choice word

swimming in the dark water.

Probing the possibilities,

within the pool of poetry.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: 

1. North Fort Myers, Florida

2. Rogue River - Rockford, Michigan

Daystars

 

I'm walking in a fallow field

filled with the soft faces

of Queen Anne's Laces.

These flat-topped umbels,

are white daystars

of circling galaxies.

Sweet summer's

gathering of grace.

Growing with dignity

in common green fields.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: Home Fields - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Senses

 

Can you taste

the salty water on your lips

while being thrashed by Atlantic waves?

Or smell the freshness

of spring soil

during an April rain shower?

Can you see diamonds

in the morning dew

sparkling on blades of grass?

Or hear the

melody of the Wood Thrush

singing from his secret woods?

Can you feel the gifts

placed all around you,

waiting for your discovery?

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Sunset Beach, North Carolina

2. Lee County - Illinois

3. Home Fields - Cannonsburg, Michigan

4. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Translator

 

How to become a translator

of the language

of moving water:

Be out there, listening,

with ears that hear,

and a feeling of gratitude.

Understand that it cannot

be interpreted using mere words;

but expressed only with

a receptive heart

and a grateful awareness

of your current blessings.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Arkansas River - Buena Vista, Colorado

2. Payette River - Idaho 

chatter

 

listen to them sing

American Goldfinches

musical chatter

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan