Arranging, Rearranging

 

I always look up

when I hear the geese

approaching, nearer and nearer.

Here they come, arranging

and rearranging themselves

into intentional V's.

I must count them;

can't help myself,

while I listen to the directions

they're calling to each other. 

To glean from the 

newly-harvested cornfield,

or glide down onto McCarthy Lake;

a splashing, clashing, clamor of sound,

then returning to quiet.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Home Sky - Cannonsburg, Michigan 

3. Pickerel Lake Park - Fred Meijer Nature Preserve - Kent County - Michigan

4. McCarthy Lake - Kent County - Michigan

brittle

 

brittle leaves hang down

wall of cornstalks stand rigid

ready for harvest

© 2025 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan

cornfields

 

stratus clouds lighten

above these golden cornfields;

dawn brings soft gray light

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan

Hopeful Harvest

"Thus you have prepared the land: drenching its furrows, softening it with showers, 
blessing its yield." ~ Psalm 65: 9 & 10 

Yesterday,
the leaves of field corn
had begun to curl inward,
from the long drought and heat.

Today,
after a long, soaking rain, 
nearly two inches,
the soil has darkened with moisture,
and the long leaves on cornstalks
expanded again, opening their
dark green palms to the sky.

The fields sigh with relief.
The farmers whisper with gratitude;
hopeful for another harvest.

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan

Cornstalks

late October field

a solid wall of cornstalks

before the combine

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan

May You Walk III

May you walk along summer gardens colorful with birds and blooms.

May you walk along shady riverbanks of slow current 
with fish feeding at the smooth surface.

May you walk through native prairies tall with coneflowers. 

May you walk along rural roads beside fields 
rich with topsoil growing soybeans and corn.

May you walk after rain in warm meadows
fresh with sweet clover.

May you walk along the edge of dense woods 
with Staghorn Sumac clustering yellow-green.

May you walk during dusk, when columns of cumulus 
are illuminated by the sun already set.



May you walk through the seasons of your life attentive and alert, 
with a joyful sense of gratitude.

© 2015 Richard Havenga

You may also enjoy:

May You Walk - February 7, 2014

May You Walk II - January 12, 2015

Photo Locations:

1. Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan

2. Rock River - Grand Detour, Illinois

3. St. Mary's Quarry/Prairie Restoration - Dixon, Illinois

4. Lee County, Illinois

5. & 6. Grattan Township - Kent County, Michigan

7. Pickerel Lake Park - Fred Meijer Nature Preserve - Kent County, Michigan

Winter Fields

The simplicity of snow
levels these winter fields
that wait in frozen patience.

Fields ready to
believe in the promise
residing within the dark soil.

Fields that welcome
the planting of seeds
to hold and nurture.

Fields longing for
the baptism of
warm spring showers.

Fields anticipating
the germination and
resurrection of new life.

Fields prepared for
the return of growth,
truth, and acceptance.

Fields eventually offering
a bountiful harvest of
abundant blessings.

© 2015 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1 & 2 Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 - Grattan Township, Kent County, Michigan