Crusader

 

Within each poem,

using my pen

and my camera,

I am leaving evidence

of a life lived outdoors,

as a lover of nature,

an advocate

for the astonishing

miracles of nature.

A crusader for God's creation.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Home Garden (Scarlet Hibiscus) - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Reading the Future

 

When we hiked up this mountain trail,

and reached this elevation,

we were so much younger.

The long heat of July

blanketed the valley

in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Sarah took this photograph

with my Canon camera

and captured this warm moment.

We were together at the summit,

looking east into the distance,

as if we could read the future.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

Targhee National Forest - Idaho/Wyoming

Finding Poetry II

 

Once again, 

I'm driving these country roads,

following the curves, 

the backroads of my mind;

hoping to discover

new images that can fill

the pages of my notebook.

I will stop often,

get out of the truck,

and use my camera.

Walking slow, I notice more.

Stopping often, I absorb

the secrets of the land.

Collecting fragments

and intricate details,

I begin to find my poetry.

© 2022 Richard Havenga

You may also like: "Finding Poetry" - December 23, 2019 

Photo Locations:

1. Crested Butte, Colorado

2. Louisville, Colorado

3. Sonoita, Arizona

4. Canon Township - Kent County - Michigan

Fabric of Words

 

Each new morning

new creation

is breathed into being.

I am drawn into

attentive awareness

by my muse,

the Holy Spirit.

Gifts are presented by the Giver; 

woven through this day,

which I humbly strive to weave

into a fabric of words.

My camera captures 

components of creation,

fragments from the natural world,

images to ignite the writing. 

Small pieces of joy

return each year

in the greenwash of spring:

I look into the intensely blue sky

through a filter of Dogwood blossoms;

white purity in the shape of a cross. 

Along this trickle of stream

Forget-me-nots are remembered

for their delicate loyalty.

Wading in watery wetlands,

Yellow Iris, in feminine dress,

live short, yet luxurious lives.

Rinsed by soft rain,

arching leaves of grass

hold jeweled droplets 

in graceful balance.

Gifts presented by the Giver,

woven through this day. 

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Flowering Dogwood ~ Grand Rapids Township - Kent County - Michigan

2. Forget-Me-Not ~ Wabasis Lake Park - Kent County - Michigan

3. Yellow Iris ~ Ada Township - Kent County - Michigan

4. Grasses ~ Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan