Still 4

 

Summer ripens into August,

spawning heat, haze, and humidity;

the air so still,

not a leaf moves.

The surface of the lake

so smooth, so still;

lily pads are glossy green plates.

A table setting on calm water.

I'm still waiting

for the next

rigorous thunderstorm

to arouse the atmosphere.

© 2022 Richard Havenga

You may also enjoy:

"Still 3" ~ December 16, 2021

"Still 2" ~ April 29, 2019

"Still" ~ September 12, 2016

Photo Locations:

1. McCarthy Lake - Kent County - Michigan

2. Ludington State Park - beach - Ludington, Michigan

At the Edge

As the smooth silk of dusk
approaches the edge of night,

music within the soft breeze
tapers into a quiet calm.

A time for contemplation
at the hard edge of old age.

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Moran, Wyoming

2. Moran, Wyoming

3. Santa Catalina Mountains ~ Arizona

winds calm

winds calm from the north

morning dew shines like diamonds

geometric silk

© 2019 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

Big Crooked Lake - Kent County - Michigan

Calm

He seemed to be surrounded
by a calm stillness;
a calm that he wore
with comfort. 

© 2019 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Sunset Beach, North Carolina

calm

Stepping into the river,
wet sand gives way under my feet.

The river is calming, 
and I am calm.

Up to my knees now, and
ribbons of water plants
brush my calf muscles.

The river is calming,
and I am calm.

Wading deeper, up to my waist,
the current caresses my thighs.

The river is calming,
and I am calm.

Up to my chest now, and
the weight of the water
pushes me over,
carries me along,
slowly, gently,
soothing my muscles.

The river is calming,
and I am calm.

Letting myself go,
I lie down in the water,
give in to the current,
feel the flow of life.

The river is calming,
and I am calm.

Face up and
floating on my back,
high branches
along the riverbank
form a frame
for the summer clouds
drifting by.

The river is calming,
and I am calmed.

With my ears underwater,
and my eyes on the sky,
a sweet silence surrounds me.
I become a part
of this earth stream,
a grateful recipient
of these natural gifts
flowing from a generous God.

© 2015 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Flat River - Fallasburg Park - Kent County, Michigan

2. Grand River - Plainfield Township - Kent County, Michigan