Singing to the Sky

 

A small Canyon Wren

is singing to the big sky.

One long song

woven into the western air.

Singing with exuberance,

a sacred sound cascading down.

Clear notes bursting

from this small brown bird.

Ascending, descending,

echoing off smooth rock walls.

I hold my breath, close my eyes,

feel blessed to be a witness.

Years later it lingers

in the canyons of my memory.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: 

Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Mapping the Heart

 

Have you ever tried to map

the vast territory of your heart?

Examined its varied geography?

Searched its peaks and valleys?

Recalled how your journey began?

Reflected on the turns you've taken?

Did you follow the directions

you were given?

Have you reached your

desired destination?

Enjoyed the measured miles

along the long route?

Are you still planning new trips?

Do you remember the way home?

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Canyon de Chelly National Monument - Chinle, Arizona

2. Zion National Park - Utah

3. Dallas, Colorado

4. Cottonwood Pass - Colorado

5. Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, Colorado

6. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

7. Home Road - 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