Supplemental Grace

Beauty in nature is not essential.
It is grace supplemented by the Creator.

Are the intricate patterns 
and complex functions
that we witness necessary?

Have you examined, close-up:

The design of a flower's inflorescence?

The veins in a dragonfly's wings?

The barbs and barbules in a bird's feathers?

The minuscule scales of a butterfly's wings?

Beauty in nature is not essential,

but I am grateful every time 

I witness these gifts of creation.

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Cannon Township - Kent County - Michigan

2. Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan

3. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve - Fort Meyers, Florida

4. Vergennes Township - Kent County - Michigan

5. Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Galaxy

A galaxy of silk.

A geometric pattern
designed and created
to capture prey,

and my attention.

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Six Mile Cypress Slough & Preserve - Fort Myers, Florida

2. Snake River - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

While

Would you like to walk with me
along this path of words?

While the Astilbe
thrust their pink towers
from the perennial garden;

while the Pileated Woodpecker
cackles while hidden
deep in the woods;

while the cumulus bulge
white mounds
into the afternoon sky;

while the hummingbird
sips sweet liquid while
hovering on a blur of wings;

while cloud shadows
race across the fields
trying to catch the wind;

while summer quickens,
ripens, and opens
this invitation

to walk,
to watch,
to wonder.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve - Fort Meyers, Florida

2.  Pickerel Lake Park - Fred Meijer Nature Preserve - Cannonsburg, Michigan

3. Home - Cannonsburg, Michigan