Within this soft peace,
I seek contentment
inside my solitude.
I step cautiously between
the Jack-in-the-Pulpits
and Trillium's white purity.
I listen attentively
to the Scarlet Tanager
and the Red-eyed Vireo.
The Holy Spirit enlightens me;
brings inspiration
to my words.
I glorify the Creator,
and express gratitude
for these precious gifts.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 4. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan
2. & 3. Grand River Basin - Lowell, Michigan
A profound stillness
rests on the surface
of the lake.
It's as quiet
as these words
that dissolve slowly
as wispy strands of fog,
like spectral spirits
that rise into the morning,
and disappear
in the atmosphere,
leaving peace
on the water,
and serenity
in my soul.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. McCarthy Lake - Kent County - Michigan
3. Grand River - Kent County - Michigan
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
for Mary Havenga
How she became
one of the best
pray-ers of prayers:
She offered words of comfort
to those in sorrow or need.
A message of hope to those discouraged.
She prayed with naturalness,
like Jesus was giving her
the words to say.
She found the right words,
spoken with sincerity,
and people listened intently.
Friends she prayed for
felt a calming peace.
A restfulness in their souls.
And among the names
on her long prayer list,
some of her prayers were answered.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
The weightless flight of snow flakes
slowly flutter-falling through our view
on this calm December afternoon.
Please reveal the peace you feel
with words as precise and intricate
as these perfect, delicate crystals.
© 2022 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan
