Four Horses

 

These four horses' asses

that were grazing on grasses

now ignore the photographer

who's not offended

who likes the contrast

of browns and blacks

against the pale green sage

in the rolling summer hills

above the aspen grove

below the blue-gray clouds

east of the Grand Tetons

in northwest Wyoming.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Gros Ventre Road - Kelly, Wyoming

Black Robes

 

Ravens wear black robes,

sweep over mesas,

slide into dark pines,

settle on stout branches.

Sleek silk shines

along their contours.

They walk more dignified

than their cousin, 

the Common Crow,

and they know how to sail

on broad, fixed wings.

Ravens survive and thrive

because they understand the land.

And should you find yourself

close enough to see

their prominent beak;

their "Roman Nose",

you may also hear them

"krawk".

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Santa Fe, New Mexico

2. Alamosa, Colorado

3. Bisbee, Arizona

Black Mirror

 

The black mirror of this pond

appears even darker when

surrounded by winter's first snow.

A Belted Kingfisher drops

from a Black Willow branch;

plunges into ice-cold water,

shatters black reflections

of overhanging trees;

comes up empty.

Rattles away to a new site.

Reflections return.

Winter tightens its grip.

Wants to make white ice.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Cannon Township - Kent County - Michigan

Goldfinch and Dandelion

With its curved claws,
a goldfinch pins 
a dandelion stem
into the grass.

Then picks precisely
and delicately
at the tops
of dandelion tufts;

extracting the minute seeds
that might have been 
carried on the wind
by petite silver parachutes.

Wearing a small black cap
to match tuxedo wings,
he now stands at the edge
of a common mud puddle.

to dip his orange beak
for a bird-sized sip of water.

A joyous yellow bundle
eating and drinking the afternoon.

© 2018 Richard Havenga

American Goldfinch - Cornell Labs

Photo Locations: 

Fallasburg Park - Kent County, Michigan  

Black Shadows

A Turkey Vulture is
hanging on a stiff wind,
tilting, turning, trying
to adapt 
to an undetermined course.

These black shadows
of wide wings,
a shallow V
slicing the air,
gauging the gusts.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: Grattan Township, Kent County, Michigan

Meeting Dusk

Never late
for its meeting
with dusk;
darkness arrives,
carrying time
on its solid, black back.

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Front Range - Colorado Rockies - Loveland, Colorado

Cawing Crows

Crows are communicating
across wide acres of woods.
Cawing out suggestions
along the familiar route
established by the elders.

I listen intently,
trying to translate
and decipher the message,
but their language 
remains mystery.

All I know for sure,
is their steady,
rowing flight pattern,

their cooperation
in efficient flocks,

and their unforgettable feathers
glossy with blackness.

© 2015 Richard Havenga 

Photo Locations:

1, 2, 3, 4,  Grattan Township - Kent County, Michigan

5. Estero, Florida

Cardinal Greetings

Along the margin of dawn,
you can depend on the
cardinal
to be the first to proclaim
the start of each new glorious day.

"♪♪ Pretty, ♪♪ pretty, ♪♪ pretty;
pretty-pretty-pretty-pretty-pretty" 
nice day to bring you "cheer-cheer-cheer".

Hear my song here: Cardinal Song.

Its bold, cardinal color,
with orange, blunt bill,
and mysterious black mask,
a common species perhaps;
but perky, perky, perky with pride
displayed in its pointy head crest.

Bold black and red
brightens every day,
whether trees are dressed
or undressed.
Welcoming you outdoors
in every season.

Along the edge of dusk
you can depend on the 
cardinal
to be the last bird singing,
announcing the end of a day;
living with a blessed hope
for tomorrow. 

© 2015 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Cannonsburg State Game Area - Kent County, Michigan

2, 3, 5: Home Woods

4. Chief Hazy Cloud Park - Grand River- Ada, Michigan

Slow Dance

When night fell,
the clouds withdrew,
like a curtain 
opening on a dark stage.

After midnight,
I took my place,
to watch
the silent performance.

Intermittently,
Perseus streaked
through the scene.
Each time a quick surprise.

While white stars
continued
their slow dance
across the black sky...

to the music of
universal silence. 

©  2014  Richard Havenga