Acceptance II

 

As time seems to accelerate

in these older years,

my attachment to life

has strengthened.

Of course there is

a sense of aching in my heart,

like things could start

to unravel in the next ten years.

However, at seventy-eight,

my current grip on life

feels firm and confident,

like when I'm lifting weights.

Or running wooded trails, or the beach.

Or playing tennis and pickleball.

Or swimming in the ocean.

Or hiking in the mountains.

Or photographing nature

all over this beautiful country.

Or Writing outdoors 

in numerous locations.

A working combination of

adaptability, and perseverance.

Acceptance and gratitude

for my abundant blessings.

© 2025 Richard Havenga

You may also enjoy: "Acceptance" - October 23, 2023

Photo Locations:

1. Canyonlands National Park - Utah

2. Kauapea Beach - Kauai, Hawaii (12-22-05)

3. Angels Landing Trail - Zion National Park - Utah

4. White Sands National Park - New Mexico

5. Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

Mary

 

When Mary retired in 2008,

she didn't slow down.

She still loves to go Birding

every spring. 

Here, she is hiking Angel's Landing 

in Zion National Park.

She plays tennis in Michigan,

Arizona and Florida.

Enjoys a spectacular view,

in sometimes risky locations!

Enjoys a stroll along Lake Michigan,

or the Atlantic Ocean. 

Knows how to relax along a river,

and read a good book outdoors.

Knows her mind, and does not

straddle the fence.

Knows how to have fun.

Is a very classy lady.

© 2025 Richard Havenga

Mapping the Heart

 

Have you ever tried to map

the vast territory of your heart?

Examined its varied geography?

Searched its peaks and valleys?

Recalled how your journey began?

Reflected on the turns you've taken?

Did you follow the directions

you were given?

Have you reached your

desired destination?

Enjoyed the measured miles

along the long route?

Are you still planning new trips?

Do you remember the way home?

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Canyon de Chelly National Monument - Chinle, Arizona

2. Zion National Park - Utah

3. Dallas, Colorado

4. Cottonwood Pass - Colorado

5. Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, Colorado

6. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

7. Home Road - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Inheritance

 

As you drive through,

or better yet, hike into

our national parks,

the spectacular land

that surrounds you

is your national inheritance.

If you're a senior,

your admittance is a pittance.

So get out there

and claim your legacy.

Let your legs take you

along tranquil trails,

so that your eyes may inherit

what is admirable and praiseworthy.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 5. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

2. & 6. Glacier National Park - Montana

3. Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

4. Zion National Park - Utah

Water Music

I am seeking meaning here,
trying to translate
the notes 
swirling over boulders,
tumbling over rocks,
splashing into the small hollows
that curve up into eddies. 

Upon further examination...

Music from this mountain stream
creates a constant chorus.
I place my hand into
the liquid vibration
to gather the sensation.

The water music 
plays my fingers.

Earth angels
begin to sing.

© 2015 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Elk River - Steamboat Springs, Colorado 

2. "The Narrows" - Virgin River - Zion National Park, Utah 

3. East River - Gothic, Colorado 

Cathedral

When daylight diminishes
in the slot canyons,
conical sandstone peaks
gather late light.
Offer a warm glow 
before dusk arrives.

Sage, Juniper, and Pinyon Pine
combine their fragrances
into a high-desert incense:
inhaled, absorbed, remembered— 
resembling worship 
in this quiet cathedral. 

A perfect place
to point prayers of praise
toward heaven, 
and to listen
among the silent steeples
for God's voice.

©  2014  Richard Havenga

CLICK on photos to enlarge.

Photo Location:  

Pocket Mesa, Kolob Terrace, Zion National Park, (Zion) Utah (Utah)