Changes

Blue Jays, quiet and secretive

most of the summer,

have begun to shriek and jeer

from high hidden perches.

Black-capped Chickadees

gather in groups again

to chatter and jabber:

"fee-bee," and "fee-bee-bee".

Eastern Chipmunks jump

and scatter quickly

off the wooded trail

you are hiking.

Sandhill Cranes have raised

their young and take them up

for practice flights, preparing

for late fall migration.

And out West, in the elevations,

the Rocky Mountains are already aflame

with Aspens climbing and

spreading gold up the slopes.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

2. Chief Hazy Cloud Park - Kent County - Michigan

3. Pickerel Lake Park - Fred Meijer Nature Preserve - Kent County - Michigan

4. McCarthy Lake - Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan

5. Grand Mesa National Forest - Colorado

flames

 

flames of October

blaze with a vibrant vision

flare from green forests

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: 

Grand Mesa - Colorado

Gifts of Aspen

In my writing  and photography,
I try to create a fresh look
at common things.

To approach each day
with eager anticipation 
for the gifts 
we are about to receive
from thy bounty. 

© 2019 Richard Havenga

You may also enjoy the "gifts" in this post: "Opportunity"  ~ February, 2015
Photo Locations:

1. Ohio Creek - Wet Elk Wilderness Area - Colorado

2. Silverton, Colorado

3. Grand Mesa National Forest - Colorado

rich flame burning within

May you grow
rich
from a wealth of
curiosity;
ignited by the
flame
of the Holy Spirit
burning
with creativity
within
your soul.

© 2018 Richard Havenga

You may also enjoy: "Something to Keep ~ Something to Give Away" - Dec. 11, 2017

Photo Locations:

1. Grand Mesa National Forest - Colorado

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

Testimony

Aspens hold up their branches,
providing evidence of
the passage of time;
giving seasonal testimony
through their leaves 
that swear to tell 
the whole truth;

green, greener, gold, and gone.

Holding their knotted trunks
before you like an offering.
Like a gift facing the future.

Accepting change.

Tiny green
banners of hope
flagging in the wind.

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Maroon Bells, Aspen, Colorado

2, 4, 5. Ohio Creek Road - N.W. of Gunnison, Colorado

3. Grand Mesa National Forest - Colorado

Inside Herself

A soft, shimmering breeze
awakens the aspens;
wakens the woman
watching.

Fluttering on petite petioles,
these leaves,
like little rounded hearts,
generate stimulating rhythms.

Tickling her fancy.
Triggering warm shivers
deep inside
her self.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: 

1. Ouray, Colorado  

2. Grand Mesa National Forest - Colorado 

Aspen Fire

Walking along this shaded trail,
around the bend, on the ridge,
scattered among deep green spruce.

This sudden appearance.
This bright surprise.
I am stunned.

Breathless.
Captured by the light
of extravagant creation.

The Spirit summons.
Penetrates my soul.
Ignites a joyful song.
I feel recreated.

Aflame with passion.
Thankful for my vision.
Grateful for His presence.

I attend this aspen fire.
Let it grow.
Out of control,

with
triumphant
words of praise.

© 2013  Richard Havenga

Click on photo to enlarge.

Photo Location:

Grand Mesa,  (Grand Mesa)  Colorado  (Colorado)