Through the smallest
parts of creation,
God reaches out to you.
When you reach down to touch
the soft petals of a flower
that is just opening,
you are showing gratitude
for these simple gifts
and touching the hand of God.
Nature's beauty is not essential.
It is grace, amplified
by the Creator.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Lafayette, Colorado
2. Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan
From the rich, dark soil,
green hands emerge
and stretch toward the sun.
They send a single spike
straight up to support
a swelling flower.
Morning dew clings to soft petals,
then they slowly open
with feminine grace.
And now, in early May,
spring brings this welcome
cup of contentment.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan
Does your heart sing
each time you step outside on these
summer mountain mornings?
Do you feel like
you're in the presence
of a benevolent source?
When you discover beauty
in the outdoor world,
do you reflect and share?
Are you ready
to paint with words
a bouquet of praise?
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Mary ~ Crested Butte, Colorado
2. & 3. West Elk Mountains ~ Colorado
4. Sarah ~ Mount McKinnon ~ Utah
When you finally witness
the welcome return
of spring flowers
in your garden;
hyacinths, daffodils, tulips,
do you sense God
reaching out to you
with these glamorous gifts
of benevolence, tenderness,
and fresh, vibrant color
for your grateful eyes?
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan
These paper pages, flat and white,
stacked with fine blue lines,
are hungry for words,
fervent for verses.
So I walk along the path,
or make my own way,
searching for opportunities,
exploring the possibilities.
My photographer's eye
supports my poet's sentiment,
and a close-up lens
enhances the effect.
So I peer into this flower's
inflorescence,
a common Orange Daylily,
an orange ornament,
an instrument trumpeting
from this roadside orchestra.
© 2022 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Home Road - Cannonsburg, Michigan
Each new flower
in my perennial garden
begins to open, as slowly
as a small thought.
Then,
bursting with its
assigned color, and
displaying its unique
inflorescence,
it proclaims
at its climax
in a compelling
announcement:
"I am created.
I exist.
I flourish.
Look at me!"
© 2022 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. ~ Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan
