Aria of an Angel

 

Beyond the high wall of these woods,

deep in the cleavage of shade,

spring warblers sing from the shadows.

I approach this curtain of sound

with quiet alertness and reverence;

grateful for the hidden choir.

One call distinguishes itself,

separate from the warblers.

The enchanting flute of the Wood Thrush.

Sweet syllables of song.

Sharp, clear and melodious.

Aria of an angel.  

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Play the song of the Wood Thrush here: Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Green Promises

 

On this Sunday morning country run,

is that our church choir I hear?

No, it's the Bobolink's bubbling call

hovering over the mostly alfalfa hayfield;

flutter-flying in a controlled stall

over June grasses growing tall,

and the long green promises

of a long summer approaching.

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Parnell, Michigan

Birds Waking the Sky

 

On this early May morning,

birds are waking the sky.

The sweet syllables of their songs

resonate through the canopy of leaves.

A choir of praise performing

while hidden in the temple of trees.

A chorus of soft secrets

rising with the sun.

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Goodwillie Environmental School - Ada, Michigan

2. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

3. Cannonsburg State Game Area - Cannonsburg, Michigan

The Vault

for Michelle Ogren - Music Director at St. Patrick Church 


As we sing and exalt His name with praise,
may song illuminate our precious days.

May song echo through the vault of our skies
and reach its goal: be pleasing in God's eyes.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Grand Teton National Park ~ Wyoming  

2. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan