This little boy and little girl,
brother and sister,
observedly well-behaved,
told by their parents
to stay where they're at.
Enjoying an ice cream reward.
Trying to make them last.
Wanting to slow down time.
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While their parents market
their colorful, glossy pottery
in Tubac, Arizona.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
When Aaron was four years old
he walked from our backyard
into the wooded ravine.
He spotted the beautiful trilliums
growing with pure white radiance
in the cool shade of the woods.
He picked some with his soft hands.
He picked some with his kind heart.
He picked some as a precious gift.
A handful of happiness for his Mommy.
Then he carried them back home
with warm love shining in his eyes.
They were more elegant, more dazzling,
than the common dandelions
he gave her yesterday.
These trilliums were the sweetest,
most tender and generous gift
she had received since his birth.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. & 3. Ada Township - Kent County - Michigan
The unassuming bud
contains no envy
for the beauty of the blossom.
Rather, it consecrates.
Is honored to enclose its contents.
To open the certainty of growth.
The promise of fulfillment.
The fulfillment of the promise;
like a mother giving birth.
The child being born.
A unique individual,
blossoming with promise.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. 3. 4. Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan
for Sarah D'Amico
He carried her around the house,
from window to window,
pointing out things to view.
And with a small,
three-year-old finger,
Sarah pointed too.
And repeated the words she
heard from her daddy:
"tree, flower, bird".
At age five he carried her
into the family canoe on the Flat River;
counting turtles on the rocks and logs.
He ran beside her at seven,
as she wavered and learned
to ride a two-wheeler.
He picked her up in high school
when she was exhausted from
track and cross-country practice.
He brought her to college;
University of Michigan,
and praised her for good grades.
And brought her home, age twenty,
that tragic November,
when her only brother died.
He said, "Goodbye, I'll miss you,"
when she left home to explore her life;
Hawaii, California, Utah, Colorado.
He applauded her guitar music,
as she wrote her own songs
and shared her smooth voice.
He carried her in his prayers
every time he thought of her
making a positive impact in the world.
His eyes teared each time he read her
sweet notes in homemade Father's Day cards,
always ending with:
"I Love You Daddy!"
© 2022 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Platte River - Honor, Michigan
