Airborne

 

I would think that

the wing muscles of angels

would get tired from being

constantly airborne.

Apparently, they never rest;

with all the protective services

they provide for the living,

keeping people out of trouble.

They seem instantly available

whenever you have a

close call with danger.

Their anticipation is amazing.

Even when they're down here,

say on the head of a pin,

they are still in continual motion,

dancing away on that tiny space.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

Grand Rapids Art Prize ~ 2013 ~ DeVos Hall

Boundaries of Sound

 

Right at the edge of music

something else may be transpiring

besides what you're hearing.

Just beyond the boundaries of sound,

the musician, singer, conductor senses

they have transported you to another venue.

You know you have reached this place

when you feel your imagination soar,

when you perceive the music

in the chambers of your soul,

and it plays with inexplicable emotions,

creating a vast musical landscape

beyond the boundaries of sound.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

Art Prize Grand Rapids (2014)

 

Privacy

There are so many others watching.
A long line of feelings
follow her to the chalkboard.

She wanted to write,
had so much to say,
but her life was private,
not meant for display.

The words in her journal,
she hoped no one would steal,
but the teacher insisted,
just write what you feel.

The look in the girl's eyes

created empathy from her friend,

so she made up what they expected,

felt forced to pretend. 

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Art Prize 8 (2016 - Grand Rapids) : "Handwritten Dreams" 
by: Leslie Adams ~ Artist  
     

2. Old Schoolhouse (1896) - Marion County, Kansas 

Effect of Angels

Although I know
from a lifetime of prayer,
that everywhere I go
you will be there;

guiding me
every step of the way
along the path;

sometimes it feels 
as if this life
is as predictable
as the flight
of a butterfly,

as mysterious
as the effect of angels.

© 2019 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. 2. 3. Home Fields/Home Gardens - Cannonsburg, Michigan

4. Art Prize Grand Rapids - 2013

Ballet Beneath the Stars

She was hoping the clouds would clear,
was waiting for darkness to arrive.

Waiting for the stars to begin
their silent, distant dance.

Ready to begin her own alone dance,
to the silent music playing in her head;

with no one in the universe watching,
except, perhaps, her guardian angels.

Under this glittering galaxy,
a ballet beneath the stars.

Grace and gratitude.
Close enough to feel.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Art Prize ~ 2013 -Grand Rapids, Michigan

2. Orion ~ from Catalina, Arizona 

The Cross

"The cross is a reminder of the greatest sacrifice love has ever made."

"The cross of Christ is more than the wood His body was nailed to 2,000 years ago. It's more than a symbol, on churches or jewelry, of what Jesus did for us. The cross we carry must be a consciousness of the debt we owe God and the willingness to live -- or die-- for Him."

~ Ann-Margret Hovsepian 

from: In Touch Ministries March 25, 2016 by Charles Stanley

Photo Locations:

1. Art Prize - Art Prize 2014 - Grand Rapids, Michigan 

2. Our Lady of Light Catholic Community - Estero, Florida

Skywater

art prize at the creek

leaves gather on skywater

soon to drift downstream

© 2012 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:  Bear Creek,  (Bear Creek) Townsend Park,  (Townsend)

 Cannonsburg,  (Cannonsburg)  Michigan  (Michigan)