Trespassing II

 

I was walking 

through the piney woods,

absorbing the view

between the trees,

when I suddenly spotted

a Barred Owl,

the color of pine bark.

Perfectly camouflaged

among the branches.

He stared at me so intently

with his shiny black eyes.

I froze in my place,

held my breath,

tried not to blink.

Could not look away.

I felt embarrassed for 

my clumsy invasion,

intruding on his privacy,

trespassing in his domain.

© 2025 Richard Havenga

You may also enjoy: "Trespassing" ~ August 27, 2025

Photo Locations:

1. Seidman Park - Kent County - Michigan

2. Juvenile Barred Owl - Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Breaking the Silence

 

It seemed like the stars

appeared closer that night.

The quiet calm of the atmosphere

was overwhelming.

Cold air entered my lungs.

Snow crystals sparkled in snowy fields.

Then, from the tall pines,

a Great Horned Owl broke the silence.

© 2025 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Estero, Florida

Standing Still

 

A translucent night cloud

glides over the full moon,

continues its journey east,

while the moon arcs west.

I stand still on this planet,

listening to the soft sounds

of this warm summer night:

crickets, Katydids, and Gray Tree Frogs.

And nearby, from our woods,

a Barred Owl is asking:

"Who cooks for you?

Who cooks for youuuu...?"

Before I go back inside,

I'll watch the yellow-green light

of fireflies;

pulsing... pulsing.

I will try to predict where

the next little lantern light

will ignite, 

then I will go inside to write.

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Home Sky

2. Home Deck

3. Seidman Park - Kent County - Michigan

4. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan