Until

 

The farther up this trail I go,

the fewer people I see,

until I'm in the company of quiet.

Until I reach this rushing stream

and sit on a boulder to listen

to the talking waters.

Studying the current

rolling over rocks,

bending around boulders.

Silver veins of water

tumbling in turmoil,

falling freely with grace.

Until these words

 flow into lines

of liquid poetry.

© 2025 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Yellowstone National Park

Silver Veins

 

Silver veins of water

weave and wrap

around dark rock,

obey gravity,

carry the mountain's

meltwater, fall

to a tributary,

to a river,

to its ocean 

goal.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

1. Yellowstone National Park

Rapid

The moon rises steadily
through the horizon of trees.

While the bright rapids
in the dark river

play marvelous music
with no instruments;

except for the permanence
of boulders resisting water.

Your life passing rapidly.
Time flowing swiftly
in one direction.

Resisting time
while waiting for your
approach to heaven.

© 2019 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Cannonsburg, Michigan 

2. Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming

3. Buena Vista, Colorado

Along

For Mary; on our 45th anniversary:

I have walked with you:

on the shoulders of mountains,

along ribbons of rivers,

in the deep forest of trees,

along the edge of the shore,
under the cathedral of stars,
among spring choirs of birdsong.

Along this trail of life
that God has mapped out for me,
I would chose you again.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. West Elk Wilderness Area - Gunnison, Colorado 

2. Yellowstone River - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming 

3. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

4. Beverly Beach State Park - Oregon 

Climax

The river's silky, curving torso

rubs up against the solid land,

then is carried to its climax,

blending into the ocean of sighs.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Crested Butte, Colorado 

2. Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming 

3. Pacific Ocean - Carmel-By-The-Sea, California