Pastel Prisms

 

A singular splash

of vivid illumination

highlights the fringes

of veiled cirrus.

Filaments of light

captivate our attention.

Pastel prisms high

in the desert sky.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: Saddlebrooke, Arizona

If You Have Any

 

If you're reading this during daylight,

could you please go outside and find

a good, wide view of the sky?

Then, could you make a brief observation

of the position and composition

of the clouds in your sky?

If you have any.

You know, just the basic three types:

cirrus, stratus, cumulus.

And one last request,

if you don't mind,

if you have any 

time:

Could you please tell me the speed

and the direction they are drifting,

so I can watch for their arrival?

You may be watching your sky right now,

or you may still be reading.

Either way, 

thank you for your participation.

© 2025 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. North Fort Myers, Florida

2. Tubac, Arizona

3. Grand Mesa, Colorado

4. St. Patrick Church - Parnell, Michigan

Mares' Tails

 

Look at them racing.

Their long white tails

trailing across

the broad blue sky.

These "Mares' Tails"

galloping to the east.

The finish line

just out of sight,

beyond the horizon,

into the troposphere.

Equestrian sweepstakes.

Competition among clouds.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: Home Sky - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Sky Stage

 

Every day, the sky is a stage.

A different performance

each time you take time

to be a witness.

Cirrus. Stratus. Cumulus.

With many varieties in each family.

And multiple combinations.

Always changing. Always moving.

I hope you always have

a good view of the sky stage,

or have the freedom

to find one.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Cottonwood Pass - Colorado

2. Oro Valley, Arizona

3. Buena Vista, Colorado

4. Parnell, Michigan

flights

the flights of swallows

stitch together fine fabric;

white veils of cirrus

© 2019 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

Michigan Creek - Jefferson, Colorado

Written on the Sky

Look at those high,
swirling cirrus
stretching, drifting
across the summer sky.

Appearing out of thin air
with briefly enhanced definition,
then fading, disappearing.

Scientist: atmospheric water vapor.

Artist: designer fabric on high.

Poet: 
white, delicate prayers
silently written on the sky,
awaiting translation.

© 2015 Richard Havenga