Sunshine State of Mind

Good morning Brown Pelicans

plunging into the gulf.

Hello turquoise ocean

and the clattering

leaves of palms.

Hello tropical waters,

welcoming me again

to a sunshine state of mind.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Sanibel Island, Florida

3. Fort Myers, Florida

4. Vero Beach, Florida

 

Rattle and Clack

An ambitious wind

pushes the stiff arms

of these tall palms.

Brittle fronds rattle and clack,

but are just flexible enough

to hold their folds

through another storm.

Resilient palms,

bearing their own hope.

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. North Fort Myers, Florida

2. Catalina, Arizona

3. Estero, Florida

The Language of Trees

The language of trees
speaks to me through:

Magnificent maples, 
when they produce
the song of the samaras
spinning back to earth.

Flexible willows 
creating curtains of yellow braids
weaving long lines
in the light wind.

Elegant, old oaks
spreading broad branches 
from a solid, sturdy trunk.

Tall, tapering tamaracks
when they display warm,
yellow candle glow
illuminating the wetlands.

 Intricate American Beech
in the spring when their buds
birth tender, pastel leaves.

Persistent palms;
towering to touch the moon,
or catching a patchwork
pattern of sunlight.

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Dad's Farm - Kent County, Michigan

2. Blythefield Memory Gardens - Kent County - Michigan

3. Grand Detour, Illinois

4. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan

5. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

6. SaddleBrooke, Arizona

7. Estero, Florida