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

calm

Stepping into the river,
wet sand gives way under my feet.

The river is calming, 
and I am calm.

Up to my knees now, and
ribbons of water plants
brush my calf muscles.

The river is calming,
and I am calm.

Wading deeper, up to my waist,
the current caresses my thighs.

The river is calming,
and I am calm.

Up to my chest now, and
the weight of the water
pushes me over,
carries me along,
slowly, gently,
soothing my muscles.

The river is calming,
and I am calm.

Letting myself go,
I lie down in the water,
give in to the current,
feel the flow of life.

The river is calming,
and I am calm.

Face up and
floating on my back,
high branches
along the riverbank
form a frame
for the summer clouds
drifting by.

The river is calming,
and I am calmed.

With my ears underwater,
and my eyes on the sky,
a sweet silence surrounds me.
I become a part
of this earth stream,
a grateful recipient
of these natural gifts
flowing from a generous God.

© 2015 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Flat River - Fallasburg Park - Kent County, Michigan

2. Grand River - Plainfield Township - Kent County, Michigan