My legs brush the sage
hanging over the trail.
I crush the pale green leaves
and rub them between my hands.
Inhale the masculine scent
that blankets these high plains.
Continue along this trail
that rises with the foothills.
The higher mountains beyond,
remain always in view.
While following the path
scented with sage.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. & 2. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
3. San Juan National Forest - Colorado
After an extraordinary day
of watching Pronghorns
scramble through sagebrush flats,
of observing bull Moose
browsing willow shrubs
along the Snake River,
of examining Elk
grazing grasses
along the forest edge,
twilight arrives in the Tetons.
© 2021 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1, 2, & 4. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
Pronghorn Antelope
are aware of me
long before I spot them
across the shared silence
of these rolling plains.
Their khaki jackets
blend into the tawny grasses,
blurring their outlines,
especially when lying down.
Multiple collars
of tan and white
curve up their
chest and neck.
Foraging in the sagebrush
they are hyper alert.
Able to detect movement
over a mile away.
Their presence
on these plains
as old as time.
Their speed
on this earth
as fast as thought.
© 2021 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
2, 3, 4, & 5. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
6. Hesperus, Colorado
7. Hailey, Idaho
