Walking On Water

 

They tread lightly

as a breath of spring

over the water's smooth surface.

Long legs pushing, propelling,

rowing themselves with

persistence and purpose.

 

Navigating the quiet waters.

Efficiently patrolling

the surface film.

Walking on water.

Water riders.

Water Striders.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. 2. & 3. Bear Creek - Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan

Walking on Water

 

Water striders,

buoyant on their springy legs,

skim over the smooth surface,

walk upon the lens of water,

skate across reflected clouds

that float on Bear Creek. 

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Location:

Bear Creek - Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan

Skaters

Water Striders skate
in jerky strides
over the silky surface
of calmer water
along the shoulders
of the stream.

Along the inside curves,
I lean in slowly;
close enough to see
their delicate feet
dimple the surface film
of the water.

Shadow patterns
outlined in light,
form distinct 
ovals and circles
on the bottom silt. 

© 2019 Richard Havenga

You may also enjoy two previous posts about Water Striders:

Striders ~ June 19, 2012

Striders II ~ June 15, 2015

Photo Locations:

1. Fallasburg Park - Kent County - Michigan

2, 3, 4. Bear Creek - Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan

Striders II

Dimpling the surface
of the silky smooth stream
with waterproof feet,
children love to watch you
"walk on the water."

Your long, spindly legs

stretch out in angles
way, way beyond
your narrow cylindrical body
held neatly above the surface.

You thrust yourself forward
making minor ripples
with your long middle legs
acting like oars,
yet you glide smooth and ripple-free.

Your hind legs
become rudders
when you need to steer,
sneaking silently
toward your target.

Your short front legs
are ready to snatch
unsuspecting prey that may
drift into the territory
you patrol with authority.

You are the Strider,
the efficient rider
on the H2O,
and the children say:
"Way to Go!"

© 2015 Richard Havenga

For an earlier, creative non-fiction version, see: Water Striders - June 19, 2012


Photo Locations:

Bear Creek - Townsend Park - Kent County, Michigan

Page Creek - Fallasburg Park - Kent County, Michigan