The reader meets the writer
on the page or on the screen.
And within that relationship
a significant bond is formed.
A learning, an understanding,
a shared emotion, an insight.
Sharing distinct imagery through
a unique blending of words.
Experience joins imagination.
Awareness enhances vision.
The interior voice
has emerged to be heard.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Location:
Lake Michigan @ Wilderness State Park - Mackinaw City, Michigan
Sometimes, my poems
rise softly, subtly,
like the slow approach
of a summer dawn.
Frequently, they fly about
erratically, sporadically,
like Little Brown Bats
darting and diving during dusk.
Occasionally, the words
may illuminate the lines
like early morning light
on jeweled prisms of dew.
Always, know that
I share my offerings
with humble gratitude
that you are here.
Indelibly, the best gift
to the writer
is the presence
of a gracious reader.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
During these earthly years
that we have spent together
on this lovely planet;
I want to thank those readers
who have respected and accepted
my ventures to share what I feel
through this voyage of poetry.
I hope that some of my words
may have satisfied a longing
unveiled within your soul.
I will continue to press down
with this pen in my hand,
a good measure of love
and gratitude to the Giver.
© 2022 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: Home Deck ~ Cannonsburg, Michigan
I've blown the leaves,
pruned the shrubs, and
stacked the firewood.
Now the daylight
begins to fade.
After dinner, I will select
a book of poetry from the shelf,
and settle in for inspiration.
Now, how to choose
among my favorites:
Luci Shaw, Mary Oliver.
Dan Gerber, Ted Kooser.
David Whyte, David Lee.
Jane Kenyon, Naomi Shihab Nye.
William Stafford, Judith Minty.
Neruda, Rilke, Rumi.
And what poets
do you prefer,
dear reader?
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Location: My Personal Library
I pray
that my poems
will express
what I'm trying to say.
And not fly around erratically
like a Painted Lady butterfly,
or like Little Brown Bats
darting and diving in the dusk.
I would prefer
that my poems
rise softly, subtly,
and surely, like the dawn.
Then illuminate
my readers
like the morning light
on jeweled prisms of dew.
And in the reading
perhaps feel my hand
on your shoulder
offering encouragement.
And know that
I want to share
my feelings of gratitude
with you.
For one of the gifts
of the writer,
is the presence
of a gracious reader.
© 2022 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Home Fields - Cannonsburg, Michigan
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