States of Mind

High in these Colorado mountains,

we are closer to Heaven.

Low in southwest Florida,

we are closer to the ocean.

Among Utah's red rock formations,

we're surrounded by natural stone sculptures.

Out in Arizona's dry deserts,

we're intrigued by species of cactus.

Home, in Michigan's two peninsulas,

we are proud of our Great Lakes.

Together, among our aging selves,

we are blessed with opportunities to travel.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. West Elk Wilderness - Colorado

2. Arches National Park - Utah

3. Saguaro National Park - east - Arizona

4. Lake Michigan - Michigan

 

Eyes of Time

The eyes of time
look upon the landscape.

Patient, prevailing.
Carrying out assigned tasks.

Weathered wood aging.
Ancient stone smoothing.

Loyal seasons passing.
Perceptive eyes observing.

© 2019 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Arches National Park - Utah

2. Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

3. Church Rock - Canyonlands National Park - Utah

4. Canyonlands National Park - Utah

Close to the Sky

Mountain Goats climb
close to the sky.

Wrapped in snow-white coats,
they move like small clouds
along ridges of rock.
Slow and purposeful,
or scrambling sure-footed.

With round, black eyes
they seek nutrition;
browsing alpine shrubs
and ground cover.

Comfortable and confident
in their elevated environment,
while grazing these steep gradients.

I've already whispered:
"Thank you God",
for this gift of their presence,
for the honor to be a guest
in this mansion of mountains
so close to the sky.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

Glacier National Park - Montana 

To learn more, read my creative non-fiction article: Mountain Goats of Montana from July 30, 2012. 

High Silence - Slow Prayers

Entering these mountains
again,
between cool canyon walls
and sun-warmed rock faces,
my level of gratitude
elevates.

With perseverance and trust,
pines hold fast;
to seams in the slabs,
to breaks in the boulders,
along bulges of rounded rock,
growing roots and branches
like slow prayers.

Waiting with patience and trust,
and inspired by this faith observed,
may I learn from these pines;
while listening 
in the high silence
for an answer
from a quiet voice.

©  2014  Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Cedar Breaks National Monument, (Cedar Breaks) Utah 

2. Muddy Gap, Carbon County, Wyoming (Wyoming)                           

3. Estes Park, (Estes Park) Colorado