Watching Wind

When a sudden breeze
skitters over calm water,
silvering the surface,
briefly wrinkling 
the glass of the lake,
I am able to track
the course of the wind,
trace its path 
as it ruffles the water.

Another unexpected pleasure;
watching wind.

This small gift,
moving with swift grace,
carrying brief enchantment,
capturing the eyes of the watcher. 

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Reeds Lake - East Grand Rapids, Michigan

3. Huyser Lake - Cannonsburg State Game Area - Cannonsburg, Michigan

 

Deep Dreams

Any day now,
the lake will freeze over.

Winter
will tighten its grip.

You will dream

of the dry desert.

I will dream

of the Sanibel shorebirds.

Time has migrated here to the north,
to stand steadfast for many months.

Our dreams will deepen
like the silencing snow
of acceptance,

and will adapt 
like resilient reeds
in the winter winds.

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 6. Reeds Lake - East Grand Rapids, Michigan

2. & 3. Saguaro National Park - Arizona

4. & 5. Sanibel Island - Florida

7. McCarthy Lake - Cannonsburg, Michigan

The Ripening

The wind rattles long rows of corn.
Deep green flags flailing in the fields. 

Bobolinks appear,
disappear in deep grass.

Roadside wildflowers stretch for the sun;
measure the ripening of summer. 

Great mounds of cumulus
shifting shape and size.

Wind leaves its tracks
on the surface of the lake.

My schedule is based on
what's going on outside;

and my creativity has the
entire sky to fly through,

whether blue or gray,
sunshine or rain, 

combing the fields and woods,
scanning the lakes and streams.

I am out here.
Please join me.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: 

1. Grattan Township - Kent County, Michigan 

2. Luton Park - Kent County, Michigan

3. Fred Meijer Nature Preserve - Kent County, Michigan

4. Reeds Lake - East Grand Rapids, Michigan

5. Grand River - Knapp Street bridge - Ada, Michigan