How It Feels

 

Suffering attracts compassion.

Grief invites kindness.

I've been on both sides.

I know how it feels.

To give.

To receive.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

The Bridge

 

While volunteering my time

at "God's Kitchen" and

"Degage Ministries"

in Grand Rapids,

especially during

the Christmas season,

I feel like a bridge

between love and need.

In the crossing,

the giving becomes receiving.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Mackinac Bridge - Lake Huron - Michigan

God's Kitchen

Degage Ministries

The Blessing of Rivers

I watch the river flowing,
fluid and fluent.
Think of all I have
been given;
the blessing of rivers
my metaphor:

Looking upstream
at the future
coming at me.
Looking downstream
at the past,
beyond change.

Giving back what I've been given;
the gifts of time and place.
My poems,
written on these rivers,
like time, have drifted past.

Placing my hand
into the live current,
I want to give
this feeling to you,
if only I could grasp it.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Elk River - Steamboat Springs, Colorado 

2. Blackfoot River - Missoula, Montana 

3. & 4. Arkansas River - Buena Vista, Colorado 

Like a Prayer

How very much like a prayer;
this spring shower sprinkled 
upon newly-emerged leaves.

How it becomes praise;
giving glory,
in an incomparable way.

In a way I am incapable of;
except as the one who sees,
admires and 
re-gives
this 
gift.

© 2015 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Home Woods

"Baby Leaves" of Red Oak - Quercus rubra