Temple of Praise

From deep within the temple

of this elusive bird's breast,

these liquid notes spill forth

under the canopy of woods.

Shaping a memory of music,

sounding like a holy hymn.

The song of the Wood Thrush
sung in the temple of praise,

fills a chalice of  thanksgiving,
and my gratitude for this grace.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

You may also enjoy: "Song of Grace" ~ May 21, 2014

Photo Location: Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Wood Thrush songs & call from Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Approaching the Altar

From deep within the temple
of this elusive bird's breast,

these liquid notes spill forth
under the canopy of woods.

Shaping a melody memory.
Sounding like a holy hymn.

The song of the Wood Thrush
fills a chalice of praise.

How do I approach
the altar of worship?

With humble gratitude
for His awesome creation.

© 2019 Richard Havenga

You may also enjoy my other Wood Thrush poem: 

"Song of Grace" ~ May 21, 2014

Play the Wood Thrush song here: Cornell Labs of Ornithology 

Photo Location: Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan 

Woven

While walking
within the quiet,
I was gifted
with the golden threads
of a Canyon Wren's call
woven into the air
between canyon walls.

Just that one long song.
Then I was embraced
by silence
again.

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Listen to the Canyon Wren call from Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Photo Locations:

1. Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah 

2. Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Slender Lemon

American Goldfinch:
a summer male,
a slender lemon,

sliding through slopes of air
in undulating arches
toward the settling sun.

Singing while flying,
calling attention
to his passing.

After his passing,
the evening quiet
settles back into place.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Play the call of the American Goldfinch @ Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Photo Locations:

1. White Pine Trail State Park - Rockford, Michigan

2. Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Sweet Syllables

I am listening
to the sweet syllables
of the Song Sparrow
spilling from the spruce;

spending his energy
on every note
as if it was
his last.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Call of the Song Sparrow from Cornell Labs

Photo Locations: Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Through the Ears

Birdsong in the morning
helps to launch the day;

gives character 
to the hours;

invites attention
through the ears;

increases interest
through the years.

©  2014  Richard Havenga

CLICK on photos to enlarge.

Photo Locations: 

1. Indigo Bunting - Egypt Valley State Game Area,  Kent County,  Michigan

2. Bobolink - Allegan State Game Area,  Allegan County, Michigan

3. Common Yellowthroat - Wabasis Lake Park,  Kent County,  Michigan

4. Wood Thrush - Home Woods -  Cannonsburg,  Michigan

CLICK the links below to hear the Songs and Calls from Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

1. Indigo Bunting

2. Bobolink

3. Common Yellowthroat

4. Wood Thrush

Birdsong

Three beautiful birds bring their songs for you to enjoy. 

Click on the bird's name to hear its song or call; 
from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Photographs by Richard Havenga. 

Blue-winged Warbler

Sandhill Crane 

Bay-breasted Warbler

Photo Locations:

1. Goodwillie Environmental School (Goodwillie) Ada, Michigan

2. McCarthy Lake - Grattan Township, Kent County Michigan

3.  Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan