Trespassing

 

This Song Sparrow is calling out

to the whole world,

which to him

is a few acres.

And I'm the only human

to hear his proclamation.

He doesn't seem to mind

my trespassing in his kingdom.

© 2025 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Home Acres - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Sounding Joy

 

I welcome the return

of the Song Sparrow.

Its long song

lingers in the air,

then repeats

the sounding joy.

Up and down the scale,

each note worthy of praise.

to one who knows

nothing about music,

but treasures the song

and is grateful to be

in the audience

of one.

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Saul Lake Bog - Cannonsburg, Michigan

2. Cannonsburg State Game Area - Cannon Township - Michigan

3. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan 

Joyful Song

The sweet syllables
of a Song Sparrow
pulled my attention
away from myself;

awakened my awareness,
focused my eyes and ears
on the sight and sound
of this little brown bird;

proclaiming his joyful song,
touching my heart and soul.

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Cannonsburg State Game Area - Kent County - Michigan

2. Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve - Kent County - Michigan

Sweet Syllables

I am listening
to the sweet syllables
of the Song Sparrow
spilling from the spruce;

spending his energy
on every note
as if it was
his last.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Call of the Song Sparrow from Cornell Labs

Photo Locations: Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan