Riversong

Assisted by gravity,
the fluid force
of this mountain stream
surges with conviction.

Flowing freely
between its banks;
fringed with firs
and spruce and pine.

Tanagers and warblers
sing by her side.
Dippers dip and plunge
in her current. 

This is where
I most belong.
Listening to
the riversong.

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Arkansas River - Buena Vista, Colorado

2. Elk River - Steamboat Springs, Colorado

3. & 4. Taylor River - Almont, Colorado

Book Rock

In Memory of Mary Oliver (1935 ~ 2019)

When I remove this special rock
from the shoulder of the mountain,

and during the descent,
feel its weight inside my pack,

I picture it displayed
on my library shelf.

Or,

I may use its weight to hold open
a book of poems I'm reading

by Mary Oliver, William Stafford, 
Jane Kenyon, Ted Kooser,
Luci Shaw, or Dan Gerber, ...

as I sit on the bank
of this rocky river,
thinking about its source.

© 2019 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Home Library - Cannonsburg, 

3. Elk River - Steamboat Springs, Colorado