Released

 

Last night's raindrops cling

to yellowed aspen leaves.

Then the leaves are released from 

their birth home on the twigs.

They drift on a slight breeze

to lay upon the welcoming earth. 

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Tabernash,  Colorado

Tabernash

With gratitude to John D'Amico

How many hundreds
of thousands
of dark green spires 
of Lodgepole Pines
needle the sky
in this broad basin?

Highlighted by November snows,
they clothe the rising foothills,
stand perfectly vertical
on steepening slopes,
climb to the timberline
on North Arapaho Peak,
withstand winter winds,
remain ever
green.

Serve as models of perseverance
as we bend under life's strains,
lean into biting winds,
fade from once colorful selves. 

Yielding to the years,
weathering with grace,
faithful to the end.

Tapering, arrow straight
pointing to heaven
everlasting.

A thousand thousand
points of praise.

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. 2. 3. - Tabernash, Colorado