Dusk sneaks up on me,
creeps onto these pages
I'm trying to read
from Donald Hall's poetry.
His wife, poet Jane Kenyon, is dying.
Their future together looks dark;
but their love is a bright fire
burning with intensity.
He promises to keep
the remaining embers
glowing forever
in his plaintive heart.
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So he wrote letters to her,
and wrote poems about her,
for many years
after she left.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan
2. Lafayette, Colorado
I believe in the power of words
to awaken our slumbering souls.
The inexpressible joy
at the birth of your child.
The shattering, shocking blow
at the tragic loss of your child.
The depth of desire
in a sincere, meaningful love.
The loyal contentment
of a trustworthy marriage.
The dependable certainty
from a reliable faith.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
I have let myself
love this world,
and it has loved me
in return.
I have shared
its gifts;
the quiet secrets,
its hidden treasures.
I have chosen
beauty, mystery,
and the intricacies
of nature.
Each time I respond
with sincere gratitude,
I am given more,
always more to discover.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Oro Valley, Arizona
2. Pink Lady Slipper ~ Townsend Park -Kent County - Michigan
3. Hollyhock ~ Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan
4. Redbud ~ Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
I have urged myself
to love this world,
and it has loved me
in return.
I have shared
its gifts,
the quiet secrets,
its hidden treasures.
I have chosen
beauty and mystery
from the intricacies
of nature.
Each time I respond
with sincere gratitude,
I am given more,
always more to discover.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Wild Columbine ~ Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan
2. Avalanche Lily / Glacier Lily ~ Snowy Range Mountains - Wyoming
3. Lupine ~ South Fork, Colorado
You could read the anguish
in their empty eyes.
The stabbing pain of grief
penetrated deep into their hearts.
They felt abandoned and alone
in a barren desert,
deserted by the death of a loved one.
For years
of pointless days
and vacuous nights,
the inexplicable loss
lingered on the edge
of their depleted lives
as they carried the burden
of a suffering love.
But eventually,
with the gentle
passage of time,
fortified by their faith,
by the comfort and support
of family and friends,
their hollow hearts
were filled with the peace
of understanding and acceptance.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations: Mud Matters Studio ~ Kimberlee Matheny ~ Ceramic Artist
Are you still
filling that space
between birth and death?
Taking enough time
to embrace
the unique gifts of nature?
Walking on paths
not paved or cemented,
but soft as leaves on soil?
Reading more books
rather than
staring at screens?
Traveling to
those national parks
you've always wanted to see?
Have you learned
how to fall in love
with this time you were given?
© 2022 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan
3. Home Library
4. Glacier National Park - Montana
5. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery - San Diego, California
for Sarah D'Amico
He carried her around the house,
from window to window,
pointing out things to view.
And with a small,
three-year-old finger,
Sarah pointed too.
And repeated the words she
heard from her daddy:
"tree, flower, bird".
At age five he carried her
into the family canoe on the Flat River;
counting turtles on the rocks and logs.
He ran beside her at seven,
as she wavered and learned
to ride a two-wheeler.
He picked her up in high school
when she was exhausted from
track and cross-country practice.
He brought her to college;
University of Michigan,
and praised her for good grades.
And brought her home, age twenty,
that tragic November,
when her only brother died.
He said, "Goodbye, I'll miss you,"
when she left home to explore her life;
Hawaii, California, Utah, Colorado.
He applauded her guitar music,
as she wrote her own songs
and shared her smooth voice.
He carried her in his prayers
every time he thought of her
making a positive impact in the world.
His eyes teared each time he read her
sweet notes in homemade Father's Day cards,
always ending with:
"I Love You Daddy!"
© 2022 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Platte River - Honor, Michigan
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
Dear Mary:
Through fifty years
of laughter and crying,
of living and dying,
during losses and gains,
during pleasures and pains,
while traveling or staying,
while hoping or praying,
with anticipation and exploration,
with determination and dedication,
our love has remained,
our faith has sustained.
As our love continues,
it's you I still choose.
I would do it all over again,
amen.
Love,
Rich
Photo Locations:
1. 770 Pennsylvania Avenue - Denver, Colorado
2. Teton Pass - Idaho/Wyoming border
3. Brighton, Utah
