Ghosted

 

This tall cottonwood

rises above the frozen lake.

Frosted by winter fog.

Ghosted by morning light.

Astonishing my sensitivity. 

Dazzling  my grateful eyes.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: McCarthy Lake - Kent County - Michigan

Trespassing II

 

I was walking 

through the piney woods,

absorbing the view

between the trees,

when I suddenly spotted

a Barred Owl,

the color of pine bark.

Perfectly camouflaged

among the branches.

He stared at me so intently

with his shiny black eyes.

I froze in my place,

held my breath,

tried not to blink.

Could not look away.

I felt embarrassed for 

my clumsy invasion,

intruding on his privacy,

trespassing in his domain.

© 2025 Richard Havenga

You may also enjoy: "Trespassing" ~ August 27, 2025

Photo Locations:

1. Seidman Park - Kent County - Michigan

2. Juvenile Barred Owl - Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Through the Valley

 

When the burning tears

of extreme grief

fall from our blurry eyes,

God's kind mercy

will carry us

through the valley,

beyond the shadows,

and after an appointed

period of time,

into the warm light

of healing compassion.

We do not walk alone.

© 2025 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Saguache, Colorado

2. Taylor River Reservoir - Colorado

Aspen Eyes

 

Along these parallel lines

of hieroglyphics

that curve around

the aspen trunk,

a pair of eyes 

calling you close.

Happy to see you stop

and study

the lines of letters;

searching for 

possible words

in this volume of trees.

© 2025 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: 

West Elk Wilderness - Colorado

Flowers for Mommy

 

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

Reeds

 

These flexible reeds,

in knee deep water,

rise in slender columns

above the lake,

lean in the wind,

create delicate, artful arches,

sway with undulating waves,

provide shelter for nymphs,

resting places for dragonflies,

add substance to the shallows,

and focal points for 

your admiring eyes.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: 

1. Leland, Michigan

2. McCarthy Lake - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Branches

 

Dawn birds begin to sing,

awakening the sky.

Eager to join the sun

in birthing this new day. 

A soft breeze stirs the leaves,

splintering the morning light

that falls upon my path

through these familiar woods.

I sit down and lean against

a broad maple trunk,

then close my grateful eyes

and inhale the fragrant earth.

Between my place on the ground

and the airy canopy above,

abundant branches grow,

capable of supporting my prayers;

holding them up to Heaven. 

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Vergennes Township - Kent County - Michigan

2. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan

Chosen

Reader:

I will lend you my words
so you may see
what I have seen
through the eyes of my heart.

May your vision
be illuminated
by words chosen
to shine upon the page;

chosen to reveal
miracles and mysteries,
the spectacles of spring,
the secrets of summer;

chosen to discover
stimulating images
by translating
life into art. 

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Information: 

1. Round-leaved Hepatica - Townsend Park - Kent County, Michigan 

2. Wild Geranium - Home Woods, Cannonsburg, Michigan

3. Blue Flax - Crested Butte, Colorado 

White

The intensity
in his yellow eyes
burns like the wick
in a white candle.
Great indeed
is this white egret.

Floating upon dark water,
soft bowls of white
hold purity
in their petals;
embrace
the sanctity of life.

The sun sings
radiant notes
through the fog;
brings the joy
of white light
into your morning.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Great Egret - Kent County, Michigan

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

3. Taggart Lake - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming 

Baptism II

Immersed in the natural world,

my humble soul is baptized
by the Holy Spirit within,

my grateful heart keeps opening
the gracious gifts around me.

My wonder-filled eyes
can scarcely take it in.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

You may also enjoy:  The Baptism ~ May 16, 2013



Photo Location: Lafayette, Colorado

Desire Waiting

Illuminated
by  her admiration
for candlelight,

her dark eyes
reflect the kindness
of her heart.

Desire waiting
respectfully
for invitation.

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Presents

God displays his presence
through eyes newly opened.

God speaks his presence
through ears seeking his voice.

God shares his presents
through kind hearts sharing his gifts.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Info:

1. Mayapple leaf 2. Mayapple flower 3. Mayapple fruit 

All photographed in our Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

daybreak

I close my curious eyes
for long seconds,
then quickly open them
to see again
the discernible change,
the expanding light
along the broad margin 
becoming daybreak;
announcing:

the hope that comes 
with dawn,
and the blessing
of this new day.

© 2015 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan