Sun plays with the clouds,
splashing dramatic light
through the lovely morning sky,
captivating your sight.
Sending rays of hope
from heaven to earth,
and you're out here
getting your minute's worth.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Loveland, Colorado
2. Saguache, Colorado
During the pearly light of dawn,
I thought I heard the sun
announce its imminent approach
just below the eastern horizon.
It began as a soft murmur
in subdued tints of rosy gray,
reflecting off the cold waves
of Lake Superior.
Then the sun flared into sudden sight,
and golden trumpets played the new day.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Lake Superior - Paradise, Michigan
2. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan
My words do not
crash from the clouds
and rumble like thunder
echoing in the atmosphere.
like the sound of petals
curling open to reveal
the essence of the flower.
Like the soundless rise
of the morning sun
birthing a new day
with the soft music of poetry.
Silent treasures
brought into the light of today.
Carrying the quiet hope
of one more tomorrow.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. 3. Balloon Flower -Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan
I am mesmerized,
hypnotized by the ensemble
of dark, mellowing light
on the shallowing waves
of Lake Michigan
as they slide gently
upon the shore;
colors fading into subtle
as the day calms
into evening.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Grand Haven State Park - Michigan
Yellow braids
of Weeping Willow.
Supple and flexible,
collect soft spring light.
A welcome sight
after a rigid winter.
Tender twigs,
slim and slender.
A sensuous dance
with warm April air.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. & 3. Plainfield Township - Kent County - Michigan
4. Thornapple River - Ada Dam, Ada, Michigan
for Aaron Havenga (April 2, 1975 ~ November 20, 1994)
The first light to pierce the dawn
reminds me of your radiant smile.
I miss your warm presence
during the long hours of daylight.
Until the long hours of night,
when sleep becomes my friend.
Inside the vague territory of dreams
when the missing you is missing.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations: Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
Ocean light
makes my eyes squint,
but brightens my day
as I behold the palette of blues.
A squadron of Brown Pelicans
glides above the rolling waves.
I hear the tuneful whistle
of an Osprey near its nest.
My face is brushed
by a gentle gulf breeze.
I am entranced
by ocean light.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. Sanibel Island - Florida
3. Lowdermilk Park - Naples, Florida
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
A singular splash
of vivid illumination
highlights the fringes
of veiled cirrus.
Filaments of light
captivate our attention.
Pastel prisms high
in the desert sky.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations: Saddlebrooke, Arizona
in late November
last leaves collect the last light
brief glow in tree tops
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
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
Under this dome of blue sky,
splashed with clouds of white,
a long strip of sand and
a vast expanse of ocean in sight.
A palette of blues playing
with shadows and light.
Filling me with
inexpressible delight.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Sunset Beach, North Carolina
2. & 3. Vero Beach, Florida
I have removed the obstacles.
Tossed aside the branches and sticks.
Raked away the fallen debris.
And now the trail is smooth for you.
Won't you please enter my poet trees?
The words are clear and accessible.
The light shimmers through the trees.
An inviting path of discovery;
a gift for you,
from me.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Ohio Creek Pass - Crested Butte, Colorado
2. Snake River Overlook - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
The umbrella of
Queen Anne's Lace,
once vibrant with
light and grace,
now stands stiff
and browned with age,
curled inward
to form a cage.
Stems still tall and erect
holding little tufts of snow,
and within the small cage,
next year's seeds to grow.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
This winding river
reflects the sky's light,
meanders through the valley,
illuminates my imagination,
inspires a current of words
that flow with clarity.
With eyes entranced,
I am drawn into
intimacy with the land.
Enchanted and contented
with this river of light
flowing through this moment.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado
2. & 3. Crested Butte, Colorado
As dawn expanded into morning,
I watched this piece of earth
fill with radiant light.
A breeze stirred the leaves,
and colors awakened
in summer wildflowers.
Listening to the quiet start
of this brand new day,
birdsong sounds like praise.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. Glacier National Park - Montana
3. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
God speaks to me without words:
In the spectacular inflorescence
of dependable, seasonal wildflowers.
The mist blowing off
the crest of ocean waves.
Through the sweet songs of birds
unraveled effortlessly.
The music playing in the rapids
of a rushing mountain stream.
The atmospheric light
dancing with sky, clouds and rain.
Beauty in nature is not essential,
it's God's voice within gifts of creation.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan
2. Sanibel Island - Florida
3. Cannonsburg State Game Area - Kent County - Michigan
4. Arkansas River - Buena Vista, Colorado
5. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
Dark silhouettes of Canada Geese
hurry past, on their way
to the shallow wetlands
of Saul Lake Bog;
gliding in low,
arriving at dusk,
as calm water
catches the day's last light,
and the soft breasts
of settling geese.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve
I'm waiting expectantly
for this morning's sunrise.
Hoping to be filled
with luminous light,
and a few creative words
inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Starting with receptivity.
Finishing with gratitude.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
The air and the light
create serenity.
A quiet calm permeates
the atmosphere.
The voice of the desert
speaks with a dry whisper.
I listen attentively,
ready for illumination.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Florence, Arizona
2. Picacho Peak State Park - Arizona
