Foundation

The dark bones of the trees,
these tapered branches,
rattle in the breeze,
begin to flail as the 
relentless wind
pushes harder. 

Even the tall trunks,
solid at the base,
sway at their tops,
giving in,
accepting the will
of this storm
that cannot last.

Like the suffering
loss of a loved one,
the winds will 
eventually, recede.
The roots holding
a firm foundation
of faith. 

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

2.  Minooka, Illinois

each other

"You and I have memories, longer than the road that stretches out ahead." 
~ Paul McCartney © 1970 ~ Beatles


For my loving wife Mary:

I'm trying to tell here,
of the way we share
the sunlight of our days,
the moon white of our nights,

traveling miles of back roads together,

hiking rugged trails of discovery,
enduring painful storms of loss,

the way we can still pull joy
from ordinary moments
of this extraordinary life.

Laughter, learning,

and love that lasts.

The gifts we find
in our selves
to give each other. 

© 2016 Richard Havenga

♪♪ Happy Birthday ♪♪ Mary !

Photo Locations:

1. West Elk Wilderness - Gunnison National Forest - Colorado  

2. Crested Butte, Colorado

3. "Angel's Landing" trail - Zion National Park - Utah 

4. Iroquois County, Illinois

5. Mary on deck - Home

6. Mary on "Birthday Bike" - Home

7. Rich & Mary- Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming 

Your Voice

In loving memory of Aaron Richard Havenga 
April 2, 1975 ~ November 20, 1994


Now, after two decades,
it's difficult to recall
the precise and precious
sound of your voice.

The relentless passage of time
has muted from my memory
the sound of your spoken words;
like sand accumulated on the shore,
like songs of birds gone for the winter.

When I'm outdoors,
I still sense your presence:
on a hiking trail, your easy pace;
your long stride when running a race;
the kind eyes that warm your face;
your admiration for a mountainous place.

When I write about you,
my eyes still burn
with tears that confirm
my love for you.
Is this a sign that verifies
a brief, but true connection?

The day sky still arches above,
as when it brightened your way,
but the deep longing lingers.

The constellations remain the same,
as when they amazed your nights,
but the loss becomes a suffering love.

Familiar birds return each spring,
but the sound of your voice...
nothing.

A precious gift
has been lost.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Beverly Beach State Park - Newport, Oregon 
2. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
3. Allegheny National Forest - Pennsylvania - 1994