A small Canyon Wren
is singing to the big sky.
One long song
woven into the western air.
Singing with exuberance,
a sacred sound cascading down.
Clear notes bursting
from this small brown bird.
Ascending, descending,
echoing off smooth rock walls.
I hold my breath, close my eyes,
feel blessed to be a witness.
Years later it lingers
in the canyons of my memory.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, Colorado
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
The light in November
changes slowly, subtly.
The sun,
when it does shine,
sneaks in at a low angle,
with patience.
You finally accept
that warm summer days
are long gone,
and autumn colors
have faded out.
You begin to admire
shades of brown.
Yet, the sun,
when it does shine,
carries a subtle hope
for tomorrow.
© 2020 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations: Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan
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| green leaves fade into yellow |
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| yellow with green veins |
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| yellow with green veins, brown edges beginning |
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| brown with yellow veins |
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| striking striations of yellow veins on brown |
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| aging, yet still clinging to twigs |
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| lingering in late autumn - a coppery sheen |
