Only when the moon is full
can you observe all of its bruises
through binoculars held steady
against the trunk of a tree.
Only when you stop
and engage the stranger on the street,
can you learn of the troubles, struggles,
and adversities that have scarred him.
A life history that would remain unknown
from the safe distance of your car,
while driving the steady course of your life
along its predictable orbit.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
A Mourning Dove walks
pink-footed through the sand,
unfurling soft syllables
into the September sun.
I glance up from my writing,
look through the binoculars,
and watch the breast feathers
settle back into place.
I look back at my work,
and attempt to write
my own syllables,
but they fall short.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. Canon Township - Kent County - Michigan
High in the canopy
of our large Red Oaks,
eager buds are swelling
against the afternoon sky.
It's still easy to catch
the movement of birds
while the branches remain naked;
before the buds burst into leaves.
Today loyal chickadees and nuthatches
move with purpose, having
survived another winter
in their known territory.
Soon a wall of spring greens
will obscure birds' movements, and
we will squint and search with binoculars,
searching for our favorites.
Hoping to find the migrating warblers;
that dependable display in May,
flitting fast in a feeding frenzy,
before flying farther north to nest.
© 2021 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. - 5. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
6. Prothonotary Warbler - Yankee Springs Recreation Area / Gun Lake State Park
