After weeks of snow and overcast,
brilliant blue sky returns in February.
The ice on the lakes is silent,
buried under a crusty snow.
Although it's below zero and calm,
it feels good to breathe crystalline air,
to withstand the biting cold,
and absorb winter sunshine.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
2. McCarthy Lake - Kent County - Michigan
3. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan
Now that May has arrived,
some trees are changing
into their chartreuse gowns.
Dressing up once again
for a season of glamor,
growth and splendor.
Drinking water and
minerals from the earth,
taking in carbon dioxide
from the air,
and absorbing solar
energy from the sun.
A miraculous process
performed before your eyes
in absolute silence.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. Canon Township - Kent County - Michigan
Birds fly
with a dependable rhythm.
They trust
the thrust of their wings.
Have faith
in their fine feathers.
Move with
conviction and grace.
Know how to ride the wind,
sail the transparent air.
Beyond the sublime,
toward the divine.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
3. Home Sky - Kent County - Michigan
How could these meager words
ever hope to emulate
a cluster of Sugar Maple leaves
as they waver on long petioles
after a gentle autumn rain?
How could these modest words
ever hope to simulate
a tier of American Beech leaves
when they rise and fall;
like taking a bow
after a ballet performance?
How could these mere words
ever hope to duplicate
the way a mild breeze
whispers through
ten-thousand fine needles
of a large White Pine?
There is nothing
but air and sky
in the spaces
between these words.
© 2022 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 3. Home Woods ~ Cannonsburg, Michigan
2. Egypt Valley Loop Hike - Cannonsburg State Game Area - Kent County - Michigan
4. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan
5. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan
The mellow melody
from the mouth
of the meadowlark
rolls across the fields.
A banner of song
curling in the wind.
It targets my listening,
enters my heart,
amplifies my awareness,
enhances my gratitude,
sings to my soul.
Makes the world
a better place.
Makes me want to
drink the air.
© 2021 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. Marvel, Colorado
3. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area - McNeal, Arizona
