Scarlet Fireworks

It's late August.

Towering above the 
deep green of summer
in the dense shade
along Bear Creek;

excessive beauty
expresses itself
in vertical explosions
of scarlet fireworks.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Cardinal Flower - Lobelia cardinalis

Photo Location: Bear Creek - Cannon Township - Kent County, Michigan 

Cardinal Flower

beauty in excess

an intensity of red

this queen of the shade

© 2015 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

Pickerel Lake Park / Fred Meijer Nature Preserve (Meijer) - Kent County, Michigan

Small Blessings

Each day

holds small blessings

quietly disguised as:

Lobed Cardinal Flowers;

soft-petaled,

intensely scarlet,

thriving within 

summer's deep shade.

Towering Horsetails;

rigid, ribbed straws

firmly sheathed

and stacked

in storeys. 

Dangling Jewelweed;

an orange ornament,

an invitation funneling

into suspended

secret chambers.

Supple Jewelweed;

droplets of orange,
tiny trumpets of nectar
inviting bees
and hummingbirds. 

I have a feeling that you

have reflected on these thoughts

yourself,

held, perhaps, within the deep, quiet

shade of your heart.

© 2015 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

Ada Township - Kent County, Michigan