Returning

 

Returning

to the Atlantic Ocean

is like a homecoming.

Although my home

is on a pleasant peninsula

between the Great Lakes,

the warm water

of Florida's gulf coast

is always welcoming.

The perpetual motion

of the soothing surf

carries contentment,

shimmering in the sunlight,

settling into saturated sand,

washing my thoughts upon the shore.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 3. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park - Florida

2. Grand Haven State Park - Michigan

Between

The sound of the surf

will intensify, then diminish,

and occasionally go calm,

but the water will always remain.

How is it between you

and your God?

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Grand Haven State Park - Michigan

2. Neptune Beach - Oregon

3. Acadia - Michigan

 

Temporary

While Willets wade
the shallow surf,

Sanderlings design
and redesign
the saturated sand,

signing their signatures
with temporary tracks,

and feeding while 
the water's receding, 

then leaving.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Sunset Beach, North Carolina

2. 3. 4. & 5. Lover's Key State Park - Bonita Springs, Florida