Sage Crush

 

My legs brush the sage

hanging over the trail.

I crush the pale green leaves

and rub them between my hands.

Inhale the masculine scent

that blankets these high plains.

Continue along this trail

that rises with the foothills.

The higher mountains beyond,

remain always in view.

While following the path

scented with sage.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: 

1. & 2. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

3. San Juan National Forest - Colorado

Surrendered

 

Shadows of twilight

smothered the foothills,

climbed the mountain heights.

Last spears of sunlight

pierced thickening clouds,

then surrendered to the night.

© 2025 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

The Hurried Clouds

 

Cloud shadows

sweep the foothills,

race up the mountains;

where they're lifted

back into the sky

to reunite with

the hurried clouds.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Coronado National Memorial - Sierra Vista, Arizona

2. Oro Valley, Arizona

3. Crested Butte, Colorado

Feels Like

 

After the sun sets

behind the mountains,

as dusk gradually arrives,

there is a slight breeze

that rolls softly

down the shoulders

of the foothills.

It feels like

a prayer of gratitude

to finish this blessed day.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

Moran, Wyoming (with the Grand Tetons peeking through)

prayer winds

here in the foothills

the wind that follows sunset

brings a prayer of thanks

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

Absoroka Range - Pray, Montana

Moving Words

My words are clinging
to forested foothills,

collecting in cool creeks,

riding rapid rivers,

navigating twists and turns;

joyful in the journey,
giving proper praise
along the path.

Before gathering
in the gulf.

© 2019 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

2. Bear Creek - Kent County, Michigan 

3. Arkansas River - Buena Vista, Colorado

4. Crested Butte, Colorado

5. Bonita Springs, Florida

Shadow of the Hawk

Hiking this bouldered trail
on my earth bound existence,
I am suddenly touched
by the passing shadow
of a Red-tailed Hawk.

Above these foothills
scattered with Ponderosa,
he is sailing in circles.


Below these cumulus
growing whiter and brighter,
he is dancing on the wind.

Under this intensely blue
Colorado sky,
this flying shadow
felt like a brief blessing. 

It was.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1, 2, 3: Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado 

4. Kent County, Michigan