With the last posting below, Athenaeum, I now have 600 poems posted here, including the 75 written in the last 12 days. I hope you like them.
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,790+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Athenaeum
History, biography,
adventure
found in the pages I read
how long I wanted to linger
in reading the names on the shelf
how much I needed to learn more
about the world and that place
the marvels in the printed words
were more than I could embrace
I wanted to stay there and linger
with heroes and tales of old
to see the world through their tales
and spend hours in their throes
to wander throughout the whole world
without leaving my room or my space
to grow and to flourish
among the pages of books
Westfield
Athenaeum –
adventure
found in the pages I read
how long I wanted to linger
in reading the names on the shelf
how much I needed to learn more
about the world and that place
the marvels in the printed words
were more than I could embrace
I wanted to stay there and linger
with heroes and tales of old
to see the world through their tales
and spend hours in their throes
to wander throughout the whole world
without leaving my room or my space
to grow and to flourish
among the pages of books
July 22, 2006 21:32
Athenaeum
– my first library
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 36,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
John Marshall ... and friend
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,790+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Tilt'n Hilton
A Texas twang would be better
than a yankee accent
so picture it soundin’ southern
this little story I’ll share
of the year I held on for dear life
I lived in the Tilt’n Hilton
or so it was known
a place that the locals were sure of
and a landmark to call your own
I was the one in the cold there
the man in the loft
on the very top floor
A funny name for a building
but one so richly deserved
A person could get seasick
just looking at it’s front façade
A marble would have no chance to stop
if it started on down the floor
and nothing would steady a step
as you walked on out the door
For the sill is going up
and the floor joints are going down
and the person with the camera
across the street
has decided to call it a day
Oh I lived in the Tilt’n Hilton
a place with slants and slopes
and I stayed there for a year
in the midst of my graduate stint
7/22/06 20:54
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,790+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
than a yankee accent
so picture it soundin’ southern
this little story I’ll share
of the year I held on for dear life
I lived in the Tilt’n Hilton
or so it was known
a place that the locals were sure of
and a landmark to call your own
I was the one in the cold there
the man in the loft
on the very top floor
A funny name for a building
but one so richly deserved
A person could get seasick
just looking at it’s front façade
A marble would have no chance to stop
if it started on down the floor
and nothing would steady a step
as you walked on out the door
For the sill is going up
and the floor joints are going down
and the person with the camera
across the street
has decided to call it a day
Oh I lived in the Tilt’n Hilton
a place with slants and slopes
and I stayed there for a year
in the midst of my graduate stint
7/22/06 20:54
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,790+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Aquarium Ambassadors
Before we went in,
before the start of the show
The harbor seals made me laugh
that innocent, genuine laugh
of the wonder of something special
ready to share with us
to enjoy their world
unburdened by our presence
on the stage for all to see
safe in the big bustling city
ambassadors to the wonders inside
the range of images to absorb
but fun, slippery sliding fun
of the harbor seals
the ambassadors before the show
July 22, 2006 20:41
New England Aquarium harbor seals - http://www.neaq.org/vtour/map.php
before the start of the show
The harbor seals made me laugh
that innocent, genuine laugh
of the wonder of something special
ready to share with us
to enjoy their world
unburdened by our presence
on the stage for all to see
safe in the big bustling city
ambassadors to the wonders inside
the range of images to absorb
but fun, slippery sliding fun
of the harbor seals
the ambassadors before the show
July 22, 2006 20:41
New England Aquarium harbor seals - http://www.neaq.org/vtour/map.php
Beeropolis
Beeropolis
rises each summer
like a revival convention
on the Oak Bluffs meeting grounds
A city of coolers, campers, and suds
the faithful gather ‘round
the campfire, the track
to hear the same story again
relive the memories
wear your colors
and cheer your guy
to sit in the sun
and melt with some friends
race week is on
July 22, 2006 20:25
Race week at NH International Speedway. It becomes the second largest city in the state when NASCAR comes to town.
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,790+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
rises each summer
like a revival convention
on the Oak Bluffs meeting grounds
A city of coolers, campers, and suds
the faithful gather ‘round
the campfire, the track
to hear the same story again
relive the memories
wear your colors
and cheer your guy
to sit in the sun
and melt with some friends
race week is on
July 22, 2006 20:25
Race week at NH International Speedway. It becomes the second largest city in the state when NASCAR comes to town.
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,790+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Surfacing
She surfaced
before me
ready for the flash
the pose
of the picture
I took
a creature of the deep
looked at me
affected me
made me remember her
a beautiful slow sea turtle
rising in the tank
gracefully
to greet me
July 22, 2006 20:12
1970 field trip to the New England Aquarium from Westfield, Abner Gibbs Elementary School
http://www.neaq.org/vtour/index.html
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
before me
ready for the flash
the pose
of the picture
I took
a creature of the deep
looked at me
affected me
made me remember her
a beautiful slow sea turtle
rising in the tank
gracefully
to greet me
July 22, 2006 20:12
1970 field trip to the New England Aquarium from Westfield, Abner Gibbs Elementary School
http://www.neaq.org/vtour/index.html
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Lush Rocks
Where is the merlot
it isn’t there
where it was
a minute ago
after the slight spill
into the rocks
at the base of the candles
the centerpiece
on the table
Where could it be indeed?
Hey, are the rocks shinier,
smiling impishly
I think they are
July 22, 2006 20:07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,790+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
it isn’t there
where it was
a minute ago
after the slight spill
into the rocks
at the base of the candles
the centerpiece
on the table
Where could it be indeed?
Hey, are the rocks shinier,
smiling impishly
I think they are
July 22, 2006 20:07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,790+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Marcottes
I was low on cash
been studying too long.
The sign in the window read
“Three pieces
of day-old
cold fried chicken
$1.00.”
Words to warm
a grad student’s heart
No macaroni and cheese today!
How simple the pleasures of something so grand
so serene, sublime
than a bargain
to eat
When pennies
and minutes
are short
when the frig is a mess
and the sink is full
and another paper is due.
July 22, 2006 20:05
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,790+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
been studying too long.
The sign in the window read
“Three pieces
of day-old
cold fried chicken
$1.00.”
Words to warm
a grad student’s heart
No macaroni and cheese today!
How simple the pleasures of something so grand
so serene, sublime
than a bargain
to eat
When pennies
and minutes
are short
when the frig is a mess
and the sink is full
and another paper is due.
July 22, 2006 20:05
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,790+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
The Usual
Oh it was fun
to have a place
where you could actually do it
say, “I’ll have the Usual”
and they knew what you meant
got it right, every time
oh there was such a place
oh so long ago
where I had that magic
in the palm of my hand
Two eggs scrambled,
a slice of cheese, mixed in
bacon, and a blueberry muffin
drenching in butter and grilled
on the hot grill, with the other flavors
of the morning oozing into its flesh
seared into the moist goodness
the flaky caky oooh of it
oh yes, there was such a place
with a bottomless mug, not cup
of coffee, black
to have a place
where you could actually do it
say, “I’ll have the Usual”
and they knew what you meant
got it right, every time
oh there was such a place
oh so long ago
where I had that magic
in the palm of my hand
Two eggs scrambled,
a slice of cheese, mixed in
bacon, and a blueberry muffin
drenching in butter and grilled
on the hot grill, with the other flavors
of the morning oozing into its flesh
seared into the moist goodness
the flaky caky oooh of it
oh yes, there was such a place
with a bottomless mug, not cup
of coffee, black
----------------------
July 22, 2006 19:53
The Usual
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/07/usual.html
poetry, fruit, blueberries,
Raymond A. Foss, poem, blue, coffee, New Hampshire, America, Poetry Where You
Live, Family, God, Newmarket,
#poetry #fruit #blueberries
#poem #coffee #breakfast #Newmarket #NewHampshire #America #PoetryWhereYouLive
#Family #God
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by
Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and
2021. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
A Dry White Russian
Cremora and Kahlua
a pair of brand names
shared space in the brandy snifter
that bleary New Year’s Eve
they were joined
a little too roughly
when she threw in the ice
Maybe the shards in the sink
were for the best
because a dry White Russian
seemed like a bad idea
to the rest of us
July 22, 2006 19:48
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,790+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
a pair of brand names
shared space in the brandy snifter
that bleary New Year’s Eve
they were joined
a little too roughly
when she threw in the ice
Maybe the shards in the sink
were for the best
because a dry White Russian
seemed like a bad idea
to the rest of us
July 22, 2006 19:48
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,790+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Lear’s Sweat
We had great seats,
close seats
down by the stage seats
seats where you could
feel Lear’s sweat
the spit of his lines
fresh to us
as he comforted and cajoled
Cordelia, sweet sweet Cordelia,
and Goneril and Regan
railed and weeped
playing the fool
each of us his own part
in our time and place
losing and regaining sight
if we can
July 22, 2006 19:37
About seeing King Lear in Stratford in Connecticut as a student
See also - http://www-tech.mit.edu/Shakespeare/lear/
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
close seats
down by the stage seats
seats where you could
feel Lear’s sweat
the spit of his lines
fresh to us
as he comforted and cajoled
Cordelia, sweet sweet Cordelia,
and Goneril and Regan
railed and weeped
playing the fool
each of us his own part
in our time and place
losing and regaining sight
if we can
July 22, 2006 19:37
About seeing King Lear in Stratford in Connecticut as a student
See also - http://www-tech.mit.edu/Shakespeare/lear/
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Flagman
High above
the roaring thunder
over the sounds of countless horses
the rush of the shockwave
off the track
a man alone in the crow’s nest
the flies of this stage
the pivotal one
the start, safety, and stop
Like the hunter on with his harpoon
in the bow of the boat, the stem
ready to strike
to throw the dice
here too, ready
for the race, the action
the rpm’s, the whine,
the race, oh the race
let the race begin
July 22, 2006 19:20
remembering climbing into the flagman’s perch high above the track at NH International Speedway, feeling the thrill of it, even when no cars were on the track, feeling the bounce in the structure to hand the force of the wind of the cars when a race is on.
the roaring thunder
over the sounds of countless horses
the rush of the shockwave
off the track
a man alone in the crow’s nest
the flies of this stage
the pivotal one
the start, safety, and stop
Like the hunter on with his harpoon
in the bow of the boat, the stem
ready to strike
to throw the dice
here too, ready
for the race, the action
the rpm’s, the whine,
the race, oh the race
let the race begin
July 22, 2006 19:20
remembering climbing into the flagman’s perch high above the track at NH International Speedway, feeling the thrill of it, even when no cars were on the track, feeling the bounce in the structure to hand the force of the wind of the cars when a race is on.
Friday, July 21, 2006
An Image of Him
When I saw him,
it made me think of him
the hat and coat
I had seen, the hat
I had worn, proud to share
the man I adored, admired
revered before all others
a quiet solitary man
on the deck of the sub
on watch, when his turn
stoic man, thoughtful man
careful, reckless man
on the edge
just above
the surface of the waves
on duty
on his bike
convertible
no helmet,
no belt
July 21, 2006 21:14
Lone Sailor Statue
http://www.navymemorial.org/Visit/LoneSailorStatue/tabid/110/Default.aspx
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,820+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
it made me think of him
the hat and coat
I had seen, the hat
I had worn, proud to share
the man I adored, admired
revered before all others
a quiet solitary man
on the deck of the sub
on watch, when his turn
stoic man, thoughtful man
careful, reckless man
on the edge
just above
the surface of the waves
on duty
on his bike
convertible
no helmet,
no belt
July 21, 2006 21:14
Lone Sailor Statue
http://www.navymemorial.org/Visit/LoneSailorStatue/tabid/110/Default.aspx
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,820+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Glass
There’s something different
something special
sensuous, mysterious
fragile, unique
living, moving glass
unseen movement
but we believe it is there
can feel something different
not like marble or bronze
something rare and precious
the artistry in the creation
uniqueness of the molten form
shaped by skilled hands
oozing into place, sliding into shape
fired to be born
as from the earth
July 21, 2006 21:02
MFA glass exhibit – 1997- http://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/sub.asp?key=15&subkey=645; but see http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/General/Glass/glass.html
something special
sensuous, mysterious
fragile, unique
living, moving glass
unseen movement
but we believe it is there
can feel something different
not like marble or bronze
something rare and precious
the artistry in the creation
uniqueness of the molten form
shaped by skilled hands
oozing into place, sliding into shape
fired to be born
as from the earth
July 21, 2006 21:02
MFA glass exhibit – 1997- http://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/sub.asp?key=15&subkey=645; but see http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/General/Glass/glass.html
Smoked Syrup
Buckets and buckets
of sap, culled
from willing maples
pouring into the vat
the cauldron
atop the old,
crumbling
outdoor grill
brick and mortar
tile flue
rusted grates
a puddle of mud behind
used for mud pies
in prior years
a burn barrel
the other end of the yard
wood smoke swirling,
surrounding
the making
of smoke syrup
precious remains
of stirring
and stirring
July 21, 2006 17:55
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
of sap, culled
from willing maples
pouring into the vat
the cauldron
atop the old,
crumbling
outdoor grill
brick and mortar
tile flue
rusted grates
a puddle of mud behind
used for mud pies
in prior years
a burn barrel
the other end of the yard
wood smoke swirling,
surrounding
the making
of smoke syrup
precious remains
of stirring
and stirring
July 21, 2006 17:55
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Hunk-a Hunk-a at-ti‘tude
Elvis was in the house,
you could see it so clear
in her stance, her pout
She’s gotta hunka hunka at-ti‘tude
Yeah ba-by,
as she just said,
looking at the picture as I attached it below
All jazzed up
and no where to go
on the lawn, ready for the fourth
for the games, the pie
the music
but not yet the fireworks
they were best seen
and not heard
daddy’s hands within her own
small shaking hands
pressed hard against her ears
hugging her close
before the booms
July 21, 2006 15:18
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
you could see it so clear
in her stance, her pout
She’s gotta hunka hunka at-ti‘tude
Yeah ba-by,
as she just said,
looking at the picture as I attached it below
All jazzed up
and no where to go
on the lawn, ready for the fourth
for the games, the pie
the music
but not yet the fireworks
they were best seen
and not heard
daddy’s hands within her own
small shaking hands
pressed hard against her ears
hugging her close
before the booms
July 21, 2006 15:18
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Her Papers
More and more
her papers
are about her calling
her sermons and
her epistles
to the churches,
to the non-believers
more and more
it is His words
emanating, manifesting
on to page
in class after class
in the secular schooling
sermons that heal
that illuminate
bring clarity
reaffirm her purpose
in that time and place
helping others
helping her
affirm her mission
His calling
to her
now
July 21, 2006 11:11
Ruth’s school work, sermons for Lay Speaker training, and for the early 8am service at church – all of them being used for God’s purposes, more and more.
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
her papers
are about her calling
her sermons and
her epistles
to the churches,
to the non-believers
more and more
it is His words
emanating, manifesting
on to page
in class after class
in the secular schooling
sermons that heal
that illuminate
bring clarity
reaffirm her purpose
in that time and place
helping others
helping her
affirm her mission
His calling
to her
now
July 21, 2006 11:11
Ruth’s school work, sermons for Lay Speaker training, and for the early 8am service at church – all of them being used for God’s purposes, more and more.
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Spontaneous Prayer
We both saw it
she began to pray
a simple urgent prayer
“Lord, can I please have a dog?”
but, it wasn’t something expected
no, there was no warning
she dropped to her knees
her four-year old knees
still wearing pajama pants
though 11am
summer after all
but she fell to her knees
to pray
hands folded in reverent
little-girl prayer
A quick Amen,
after prompting,
after she had risen
sealing the prayer
to her God
July 21, 2006 11:07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
she began to pray
a simple urgent prayer
“Lord, can I please have a dog?”
but, it wasn’t something expected
no, there was no warning
she dropped to her knees
her four-year old knees
still wearing pajama pants
though 11am
summer after all
but she fell to her knees
to pray
hands folded in reverent
little-girl prayer
A quick Amen,
after prompting,
after she had risen
sealing the prayer
to her God
July 21, 2006 11:07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
He Watched Me
He watched me
oh so closely
as I stalked him,
took shot after shot
the staccato of the shutter
caused him to tense
to arch wings
to posture and preen
puff himself
prepare to strike
If I got
any closer
July 20, 2006 20:45
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
oh so closely
as I stalked him,
took shot after shot
the staccato of the shutter
caused him to tense
to arch wings
to posture and preen
puff himself
prepare to strike
If I got
any closer
July 20, 2006 20:45
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Bienecke Library
A singular building
walls of granite,
luminous, translucent
orange walls in the warm sun
light oozing through the living rock
a different kind of window for a special place
right for a place holding one of the precious few
a Gutenberg Bible
how rare to see it in amber light
streaming through granite.
July 20, 2006 19:42
(http://www.library.yale.edu/beinecke/brblinfo/brblslides.html)
walls of granite,
luminous, translucent
orange walls in the warm sun
light oozing through the living rock
a different kind of window for a special place
right for a place holding one of the precious few
a Gutenberg Bible
how rare to see it in amber light
streaming through granite.
July 20, 2006 19:42
(http://www.library.yale.edu/beinecke/brblinfo/brblslides.html)
Thompson Hall
It was a moment of fate
a convergence of events
that gave me an opportunity
chance to capture
spark in a bottle
moment of time
rich cool color
frozen now
but momentary then
volcanic ash,
lights lit and unlit
framing of the shot
long shutter speed
a tripod and cable release
gave me the presence
to see it
preserve it
July 20, 2006 19:36
Photo of Thompson Hall, UNH, Durham - December 8, 1984 5:08, 25 second exposure
a convergence of events
that gave me an opportunity
chance to capture
spark in a bottle
moment of time
rich cool color
frozen now
but momentary then
volcanic ash,
lights lit and unlit
framing of the shot
long shutter speed
a tripod and cable release
gave me the presence
to see it
preserve it
July 20, 2006 19:36
Photo of Thompson Hall, UNH, Durham - December 8, 1984 5:08, 25 second exposure
All of my poems
are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006,
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me
at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 29,950+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Immersed
I became enthralled
immersed in the imagery
the depth of feeling
sitting in the room
of the gallery
not seeing, no more than that
is experiencing what I mean
more still
absorbing it into my being
being with the brushstrokes
feeling his passion
as he painted it so long before
in his home in France
the culmination of his art
so able to capture more than a mood
the totality of what is to be explored
the depth of the water
the skin of the water
water lilies
immersed in the imagery
the depth of feeling
sitting in the room
of the gallery
not seeing, no more than that
is experiencing what I mean
more still
absorbing it into my being
being with the brushstrokes
feeling his passion
as he painted it so long before
in his home in France
the culmination of his art
so able to capture more than a mood
the totality of what is to be explored
the depth of the water
the skin of the water
water lilies
================
edited January 28, 2016
Immersed – v3
(editing original and version 2)
edited January 23, 2016
Seeing Monet’s Lily Pads – v3
(editing version 2)
edited August 19, 2015
Seeing Monet’s Lily Pads – v2
July 15, 2013
Seeing Monet’s Lily Pads
breakfast 6/14/13
Annual Conference
New England United Methodist Church
2013 Theme: Strangely
Warmed; Formed by God
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he was
talking to us on the road, while he was opening scripture to us?”
--Luke 24:13-35 led by Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar
sermons:
“Recognizing the Holy”, 6/13/2013 (by Reverend Hand),
reflection on Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus
“Episcopal Address, 6/13/2013 (by Bishop Devadhar)
“A Word about Work” , 6/14/2013 (by Reverend Hand)
“Do you see . . . ?”, 6/14/2013 (by Bishop Devadhar)
Honored Guests - http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/814
Conference Preacher – Rev. Stephanie Moore Hand –
June 12, 2013 to June 15, 2015
&
Edited December 24, 2013
Immersed – v2
July 20, 2006 19:31
Immersed
Monet – 1998 – inside the room of the MFA with wall sized
paintings - http://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/sub.asp?key=15&subkey=634,
http://www.thegavel.net/2016.html
All of my
poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002,
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015,
2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray
Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)
for usage. See all 40,780+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
A Keyhole to the Past
A desk became a portal
a keyhole to the past
hiding a secret
uncovering another
a family fact
unknown to us in the present
a gift of a desk
from the wood
of Dewey’s flagship
from a man we don’t know
to a great grandfather
we didn’t know
hidden behind the drawer stop
discovered in refinishing
by a sixteen year old
It lead to questions
and answers unexpected
a revelation of a different life
a different birth
not known
unexplored
undiscussed
within the family
a keyhole to another family
a different heritage
more truthful
fascinating
July 20, 2006 19:20 All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
a keyhole to the past
hiding a secret
uncovering another
a family fact
unknown to us in the present
a gift of a desk
from the wood
of Dewey’s flagship
from a man we don’t know
to a great grandfather
we didn’t know
hidden behind the drawer stop
discovered in refinishing
by a sixteen year old
It lead to questions
and answers unexpected
a revelation of a different life
a different birth
not known
unexplored
undiscussed
within the family
a keyhole to another family
a different heritage
more truthful
fascinating
July 20, 2006 19:20 All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Jungle Ponies
Mythological creatures
like the sphinx and the unicorn
we saw jungle ponies
in the clouds
stampeding across the sky
as the storm rolled in
off the Atlantic
We looked for them deep
in the rainforest
thought we heard their hooves
the pounding of the underbrush
at the footfalls of the stallions
but they were hidden from sight
shy creatures after all
we know they are there
running free in the jungle
their native home
like the sphinx and the unicorn
we saw jungle ponies
in the clouds
stampeding across the sky
as the storm rolled in
off the Atlantic
We looked for them deep
in the rainforest
thought we heard their hooves
the pounding of the underbrush
at the footfalls of the stallions
but they were hidden from sight
shy creatures after all
we know they are there
running free in the jungle
their native home
edited November 18, 2014
Jungle Ponies – v2
July 19, 2006 20:19
Jungle Ponies
on our honeymoon in St. Lucia
April 2005
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray
Foss for usage. See all 33,640+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Fresh Catch
A cascade of giggling
caught us
in waves
that night
at the dinner table
A fresh catch
perch and pumpkinseeds
flipped, flopped in the sink
waiting for our hands
while spaghetti was on the menu
fresh from the lake
a few feet away
a piece of
the joy of childhood
serenading our supper
Fall, 1971
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/07/fresh-catch.html
caught us
in waves
that night
at the dinner table
A fresh catch
perch and pumpkinseeds
flipped, flopped in the sink
waiting for our hands
while spaghetti was on the menu
fresh from the lake
a few feet away
a piece of
the joy of childhood
serenading our supper
Fall, 1971
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/07/fresh-catch.html
All
of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray
Foss for usage. See all 30,700+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
A Hot Breakfast
They, whoever they are,
say you should eat a good
hot breakfast
I don’t think they had this in mind
the day I made the toaster scream
A rare choice for breakfast for me
frosted chocolate pop tarts
now that is unusual,
I don’t know where they came from
but that was my choice
for a breakfast on the run
A strange sound came from the kitchen
it was the smoke detector
but more than that
the toaster was crying
a death cry
Flames shot into the air
lapping the base of the light blue
of the cupboards above the counter
bubbling and curling
about to catch fire
a hot cord
a quick yank
white fire extinguisher powder
all over the room
But it is the cry of the toaster
shrieking in pain
and the crisp ember
black remains
of the yummy sugar filled
and sugar encrusted
confection I remember
I swore off them,
just to be sure.
July 19, 2006 18:40 All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
say you should eat a good
hot breakfast
I don’t think they had this in mind
the day I made the toaster scream
A rare choice for breakfast for me
frosted chocolate pop tarts
now that is unusual,
I don’t know where they came from
but that was my choice
for a breakfast on the run
A strange sound came from the kitchen
it was the smoke detector
but more than that
the toaster was crying
a death cry
Flames shot into the air
lapping the base of the light blue
of the cupboards above the counter
bubbling and curling
about to catch fire
a hot cord
a quick yank
white fire extinguisher powder
all over the room
But it is the cry of the toaster
shrieking in pain
and the crisp ember
black remains
of the yummy sugar filled
and sugar encrusted
confection I remember
I swore off them,
just to be sure.
July 19, 2006 18:40 All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Memorial Stones
Inside this obelisk
this homage, this singular space
dedicated to the first
in the heart of the city
forgotten stones
hidden from most of the world
from public view
entombed within the granite walls
like a pharaohs glyphs
lost to the ages
a record of the love shared
for this singular man
father of us all
States and societies
and common people
messages of hope
in this place, this belief
carved and hewn into the living
wall of the stairway inside
No longer seen.
July 19, 2006 18:30
Inside Washington Monument – 193 memorial stones. No longer open to the public. See - http://www.nps.gov/wamo/memstone.htm and http://www.nps.gov/wamo/memstone2.htm
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
this homage, this singular space
dedicated to the first
in the heart of the city
forgotten stones
hidden from most of the world
from public view
entombed within the granite walls
like a pharaohs glyphs
lost to the ages
a record of the love shared
for this singular man
father of us all
States and societies
and common people
messages of hope
in this place, this belief
carved and hewn into the living
wall of the stairway inside
No longer seen.
July 19, 2006 18:30
Inside Washington Monument – 193 memorial stones. No longer open to the public. See - http://www.nps.gov/wamo/memstone.htm and http://www.nps.gov/wamo/memstone2.htm
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Fisherman
I really did feel bad afterward;
but at that instant, I was confused
sorry, not knowing what to say
He was a perfect subject
tanned, craggy, of the sea.
He was hot, tired,
and oh so angry
with me
at that moment,
the bane of his existence
the one too many straws
on his aching back
One too many tourists
trying to capture the essence
of his time and place
with a picture of him
without permission
on the back of his ship
in the harbor
after the end of a hard day
in his yellow slicker
It wasn’t the concern of some
the fear of losing one’s soul
by the taking of the picture
No this was an older argument
his rights to be alone
why he went to the sea in the first place
away from the crowd in the city, the streets
he was of the sea, ready for the quiet
the fight for the catch
not the bustle of a tourist trap
the changing of his island
fighting his fight
to remain independent
sure of his own place
without another damn picture.
July 19, 2006 18:18
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Rollman
They called me rollman
the herb and garlic sauce,
just too good to leave on the plate
that night in North Carolina
the butter dripped off the summer veggies
the spiced red potatoes
the sauces on the fresh fish
caught off shore
Too soon we’d be back in
northern climes
time still to enjoy the excess
of southern hospitality
a plate of pieces of rolls
soft and warm
festooned my plate
so I wouldn’t miss
a single drop
of the taste of the south
washed down with a nice wine
enjoying the reflection of the sunset
over the bay
July 19, 2006 18:11
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
the herb and garlic sauce,
just too good to leave on the plate
that night in North Carolina
the butter dripped off the summer veggies
the spiced red potatoes
the sauces on the fresh fish
caught off shore
Too soon we’d be back in
northern climes
time still to enjoy the excess
of southern hospitality
a plate of pieces of rolls
soft and warm
festooned my plate
so I wouldn’t miss
a single drop
of the taste of the south
washed down with a nice wine
enjoying the reflection of the sunset
over the bay
July 19, 2006 18:11
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Horse Needle
We didn’t really know;
but they called it a horse needle
the day the state police
came to tell us, scare us
away from drugs
A giant syringe on the table
with the barbiturates
the bale of marijuana
the pills, the bongs
the other tools of the deadly
the evil trade
scaring us straight
before we started
quite a memorable science class
July 19, 2006 18:05
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
but they called it a horse needle
the day the state police
came to tell us, scare us
away from drugs
A giant syringe on the table
with the barbiturates
the bale of marijuana
the pills, the bongs
the other tools of the deadly
the evil trade
scaring us straight
before we started
quite a memorable science class
July 19, 2006 18:05
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Muskrat Paw
What must she have thought,
when she reached into my jeans pocket
before laundry
and found a muskrat paw
I don’t remember the scream,
no I don’t remember it;
but I might have been at school
or down by the lake
she never mentioned it
probably too painful
to discuss
You see Roger’s dad
was a Trapper,
no really, that’s what he did
for a living
not to get rid of pests,
no he was a real trapper
for pelts for sale
how cool was that!!
At least that’s how
my sixth grade mind responded
what could be better
than that life
sure I can get you
a muskrat paw
he promised
I can’t remember the cost
but it was well worth it
so soft and foreign
to all I had known before
a piece of a living creature
in my pocket
with marbles and other treasures
until wash day
July 19, 2006 18:00
when she reached into my jeans pocket
before laundry
and found a muskrat paw
I don’t remember the scream,
no I don’t remember it;
but I might have been at school
or down by the lake
she never mentioned it
probably too painful
to discuss
You see Roger’s dad
was a Trapper,
no really, that’s what he did
for a living
not to get rid of pests,
no he was a real trapper
for pelts for sale
how cool was that!!
At least that’s how
my sixth grade mind responded
what could be better
than that life
sure I can get you
a muskrat paw
he promised
I can’t remember the cost
but it was well worth it
so soft and foreign
to all I had known before
a piece of a living creature
in my pocket
with marbles and other treasures
until wash day
July 19, 2006 18:00
Capturing
Capturing an image on the pane of film
burned by the shutter release
aperture and speed
snap, frozen
really a moment, a snip,
an instant of time
captured there, forever
for it isn’t the image, that’s the thing
it’s the singular, the unique
frame of time
preserved forever
in the thin slice
the media
on the emulsion
July 19, 2006 15:49
the act of taking a picture
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
burned by the shutter release
aperture and speed
snap, frozen
really a moment, a snip,
an instant of time
captured there, forever
for it isn’t the image, that’s the thing
it’s the singular, the unique
frame of time
preserved forever
in the thin slice
the media
on the emulsion
July 19, 2006 15:49
the act of taking a picture
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Silence
Silence is golden
or so the saying goes
we see the sparing of hurt
in silence
Two men, men of faith
messiah and martyr
remained silent before their accusers
before the liars
seeking their lives
for the principles they held dear
for who they were
When silence failed
when lies compounded on lies
sealed their fate
They spoke
with power, guile, and conviction
speaking truth to power
passionate, bold truth
honed in the temple, in court
in the words of God
creator and son
Holy words
after silence.
July 19, 2006 13:49
Inspired by reading Daniel 6, about the conspirators who trapped Daniel. About Sir Thomas More (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14689c.htm) and Jesus (http://biblia.com/jesusbible/passion11.htm) - silent before accusers – to avoid “blasphemy”. A similar fate of lies that lead to confrontation and death – beheading or crucifixion.
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
or so the saying goes
we see the sparing of hurt
in silence
Two men, men of faith
messiah and martyr
remained silent before their accusers
before the liars
seeking their lives
for the principles they held dear
for who they were
When silence failed
when lies compounded on lies
sealed their fate
They spoke
with power, guile, and conviction
speaking truth to power
passionate, bold truth
honed in the temple, in court
in the words of God
creator and son
Holy words
after silence.
July 19, 2006 13:49
Inspired by reading Daniel 6, about the conspirators who trapped Daniel. About Sir Thomas More (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14689c.htm) and Jesus (http://biblia.com/jesusbible/passion11.htm) - silent before accusers – to avoid “blasphemy”. A similar fate of lies that lead to confrontation and death – beheading or crucifixion.
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Baggy Pants
Hand-me-down
one-piece pajamas
pink fleece-like
all soft and thick
held in place
by the elastic of the cuff
a little big for the
younger sister still
but too small
for the older one
a favorite in the house
princesses wearing
princesses
with luck
the youngest
will too
July 19, 2006 10:38
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
one-piece pajamas
pink fleece-like
all soft and thick
held in place
by the elastic of the cuff
a little big for the
younger sister still
but too small
for the older one
a favorite in the house
princesses wearing
princesses
with luck
the youngest
will too
July 19, 2006 10:38
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Turning to Sin and Back to God
David, oh David
how I know your sin
your turn to the pleasures
the temptation in your eyes
weakness of the flesh
when sin called you
seeking, pursuing you,
stalking your heart.
a man anointed,
blessed by God
How far the mighty fall
in that moment, instant
weakness, turn to sin
how awesome the cost
the consequence of the choice
Repent, turn back
to God, your loving father
carry the scar, the impediment
the reminder of your breach
your choice, your break
But do good, live right
redeemed by His grace
not your penitence,
merely the sign
of your repentance.
July 19, 2006 10:27
2 Samuel 11-12:24 and Psalm 51
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
how I know your sin
your turn to the pleasures
the temptation in your eyes
weakness of the flesh
when sin called you
seeking, pursuing you,
stalking your heart.
a man anointed,
blessed by God
How far the mighty fall
in that moment, instant
weakness, turn to sin
how awesome the cost
the consequence of the choice
Repent, turn back
to God, your loving father
carry the scar, the impediment
the reminder of your breach
your choice, your break
But do good, live right
redeemed by His grace
not your penitence,
merely the sign
of your repentance.
July 19, 2006 10:27
2 Samuel 11-12:24 and Psalm 51
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Bread Line
All of my poems are
copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,
2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at
Ray Foss for
usage. See all 30,020+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Can't Sleep
Staring at the screen
the computer
watch the flash of images,
messages of nothingness
flickering bits of news
with no shelf life
random digits, the 1’s and 0’s
of our digital, ADD life
popping and fizzing
in and out of view
seeing too much
too much hopelessness
chaos in the Middle East
again and still
so-called celebrities with issues
smatter of blather
lost in the fading ether
the wisps of noise and motion
July 18, 2006 22:49
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
the computer
watch the flash of images,
messages of nothingness
flickering bits of news
with no shelf life
random digits, the 1’s and 0’s
of our digital, ADD life
popping and fizzing
in and out of view
seeing too much
too much hopelessness
chaos in the Middle East
again and still
so-called celebrities with issues
smatter of blather
lost in the fading ether
the wisps of noise and motion
July 18, 2006 22:49
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Forty Poems in Eight Days
In the last 8 days, I have written and posted 40 poems. In addition I have an additional 19 titles that hopefully will bear fruit soon.
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Patina of Haze
A patina of haze
filled my vision
hung heavy in the shimmering air
high in the nineties they said
but oh so much more
shirt drenched
even when idle
mind losing focus
numbed by the heat
vapor waves
off the recent wet grass
rising to eye level
or a little more
held down by the weight,
the thick
of the air
July 18, 2006 20:59
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,020+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
filled my vision
hung heavy in the shimmering air
high in the nineties they said
but oh so much more
shirt drenched
even when idle
mind losing focus
numbed by the heat
vapor waves
off the recent wet grass
rising to eye level
or a little more
held down by the weight,
the thick
of the air
July 18, 2006 20:59
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,020+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Old and New
They were quite a pair
clash of cultures
within these proud Quebecois
each speaking a language
I don’t share
but a dissonant image,
a muddled pair
Leather, spike collar,
shock of flame-red hair
in spikes held by gel
animated arguments
speaking with passion!
about something oh so important
with his grandfather, or so he seemed
Tweed coat, wool vest
accordion hanging heavy off his chest
slumped on the bench
ancient fedora at his feet
overturned for change,
his next meal
in the bright August haze
long ago
A clear image,
nails on the chalkboard
of my memory
July 18, 2006 20:27
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
clash of cultures
within these proud Quebecois
each speaking a language
I don’t share
but a dissonant image,
a muddled pair
Leather, spike collar,
shock of flame-red hair
in spikes held by gel
animated arguments
speaking with passion!
about something oh so important
with his grandfather, or so he seemed
Tweed coat, wool vest
accordion hanging heavy off his chest
slumped on the bench
ancient fedora at his feet
overturned for change,
his next meal
in the bright August haze
long ago
A clear image,
nails on the chalkboard
of my memory
July 18, 2006 20:27
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Glass Dump
In the history of the city
long forgotten, buried
the remains in the ground
glass, metal, wood, bone
crockery, leather, a toy marble
the history of the city
preserved in the ground
Behind the stores,
before the fields
down near the river
beyond the woods
and the raspberry vines
a bottle dump
exposing
the remains
of last century’s turning
the history of the city
in the ground
in shallow graves
July 18, 2006 20:14
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
long forgotten, buried
the remains in the ground
glass, metal, wood, bone
crockery, leather, a toy marble
the history of the city
preserved in the ground
Behind the stores,
before the fields
down near the river
beyond the woods
and the raspberry vines
a bottle dump
exposing
the remains
of last century’s turning
the history of the city
in the ground
in shallow graves
July 18, 2006 20:14
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Dogwoods of Yale
A walk in spring
to calm interview nerves
smell of dogwood
a burst of soft color,
if pastels can burst,
amid the brick and ivy
black wrought iron fences
soft beauty of the petals,
muted form
subtler somehow
within the city
the regal campus
July 18, 2006 20:20
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
to calm interview nerves
smell of dogwood
a burst of soft color,
if pastels can burst,
amid the brick and ivy
black wrought iron fences
soft beauty of the petals,
muted form
subtler somehow
within the city
the regal campus
July 18, 2006 20:20
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Pitched Tent
A tent was pitched
a giant canopy
used to bluster and boldness
many parties, celebrations
still
sitting alone,
sad, lonely
in the yard
ready for the show, the action
but it was empty
hesitant
tense
waiting
expectant
for the people
the activity
reason for being
pitched
July 18, 2006 18:28
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
a giant canopy
used to bluster and boldness
many parties, celebrations
still
sitting alone,
sad, lonely
in the yard
ready for the show, the action
but it was empty
hesitant
tense
waiting
expectant
for the people
the activity
reason for being
pitched
July 18, 2006 18:28
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Under the Tent
A great way to start my day
friendly giggling
under the tent
the sheet and comforter
held up by daddy’s arm
under the tent
a four year old with
wonder and mirth
cracking the issues of the day
making me remember
to catch the magic moments
while I can
under her tent
July 18, 2006 17:25
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
friendly giggling
under the tent
the sheet and comforter
held up by daddy’s arm
under the tent
a four year old with
wonder and mirth
cracking the issues of the day
making me remember
to catch the magic moments
while I can
under her tent
July 18, 2006 17:25
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Leaves in a Plane of Space
A cluster of 4 leaves
at the end of a branch
in October
New England
easier for the mind to process
than the bits of particles
on the strip of film
finding the right distance
speed, angle
to focus enough
hold still
capture planes of space
the mood of the day
crisper than the ones
lost in recent memory
July 17, 2006 17:09
picture of leaves taken October 2004, Garrison Avenue, Durham, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
at the end of a branch
in October
New England
easier for the mind to process
than the bits of particles
on the strip of film
finding the right distance
speed, angle
to focus enough
hold still
capture planes of space
the mood of the day
crisper than the ones
lost in recent memory
July 17, 2006 17:09
picture of leaves taken October 2004, Garrison Avenue, Durham, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Leaves in a Plane of Space
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
It's True
I love you
Oh how I love you, yes I do
The way you look at me
the way you make me feel
when you are so close to me
in the dark or bright sun of midday
you are the one I think of in the moment
when we are apart
the one I want to grow closer to
the one I want to grow old with
just you
July 17, 2006 16:03
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Oh how I love you, yes I do
The way you look at me
the way you make me feel
when you are so close to me
in the dark or bright sun of midday
you are the one I think of in the moment
when we are apart
the one I want to grow closer to
the one I want to grow old with
just you
July 17, 2006 16:03
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Oh Yeah, and I raised him from the dead
A travelogue of a busy apostle
forgetting to mention
what would seem a significant moment
a resurrection, after all
doesn’t happen every day
I guess even a good speaker
can have an off day,
trying one last time, because time was short
to reach all he could before another journey
Maybe he wasn’t his best
not quite as spellbinding as normal
Poor Eutychus,
Mr. Fortunate,
he was tired, and his seat
was
a poor choice
But he was lucky
For Paul was busy
no time for chit chat
he was raised
raised from the dead in no time
And Paul had more to say
quite lucky indeed
July 13, 2006 21:35, edited July 17, 2006 14:17
Acts 20:7-12
The story of the clumsy death and perfunctory resurrection of Eutychus, who fell 3 stories to his death when he was put to sleep by Paul’s oratory and was raised by Paul, mostly so Paul could go back to his preaching.
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
forgetting to mention
what would seem a significant moment
a resurrection, after all
doesn’t happen every day
I guess even a good speaker
can have an off day,
trying one last time, because time was short
to reach all he could before another journey
Maybe he wasn’t his best
not quite as spellbinding as normal
Poor Eutychus,
Mr. Fortunate,
he was tired, and his seat
was
a poor choice
But he was lucky
For Paul was busy
no time for chit chat
he was raised
raised from the dead in no time
And Paul had more to say
quite lucky indeed
July 13, 2006 21:35, edited July 17, 2006 14:17
Acts 20:7-12
The story of the clumsy death and perfunctory resurrection of Eutychus, who fell 3 stories to his death when he was put to sleep by Paul’s oratory and was raised by Paul, mostly so Paul could go back to his preaching.
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Mother Duck
A human interest story
in the midst of the chaos
the flooding of the Merrimack
in the heart of the city
a struggle for life
a mother risking her own
for her children
we watched helplessly,
hoping, praying
she would be successful
A mother duck
and three ducklings
or at least the remaining three
were caught in the river
the raging torrent
heading toward the debris pile
under the bridge
she fought the strong force
the heavy swift current
pushing them all
fighting to keep her family alive
she found refuge
a pocket of calm water
at the edge of an eddy
but the ducklings were swept
into the current as the whirlpool
spun them around
at the edge
back into the river
She plunged forward
just beyond her child
and shepherded them back
toward shore, safety
repeating this drama
until she got all three up
onto wet land
July 17, 2006 9:22
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,010+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
in the midst of the chaos
the flooding of the Merrimack
in the heart of the city
a struggle for life
a mother risking her own
for her children
we watched helplessly,
hoping, praying
she would be successful
A mother duck
and three ducklings
or at least the remaining three
were caught in the river
the raging torrent
heading toward the debris pile
under the bridge
she fought the strong force
the heavy swift current
pushing them all
fighting to keep her family alive
she found refuge
a pocket of calm water
at the edge of an eddy
but the ducklings were swept
into the current as the whirlpool
spun them around
at the edge
back into the river
She plunged forward
just beyond her child
and shepherded them back
toward shore, safety
repeating this drama
until she got all three up
onto wet land
July 17, 2006 9:22
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,010+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Into the River
Another driving image
as we went down the highway
a familiar bit of water
a space where a tributary
meets the stronger stream
A pair of mallards
two sisters
seen for a moment
from behind
moving gracefully
a small, slow wake
down the brook
around the end
the spit of land
out into the river
into the current
July 17, 2006 9:07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
as we went down the highway
a familiar bit of water
a space where a tributary
meets the stronger stream
A pair of mallards
two sisters
seen for a moment
from behind
moving gracefully
a small, slow wake
down the brook
around the end
the spit of land
out into the river
into the current
July 17, 2006 9:07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Vincent's Eyes
All of my poems are
copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,
2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at
Ray Foss for
usage. See all 30,010+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
River of Your Delights
What a wonderful mental image,
“And you give them drink from the
river of your delights.”
Cool clear untrammeled waters
An endless river of the wellspring of life
Hope in the wilderness
manna from heaven
and the light in the darkness
The path along the way
and our hope for eternity
July 16, 2006 14:39
Psalm 36:8b (within Psalm 36:7-10)
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,010+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
“And you give them drink from the
river of your delights.”
Cool clear untrammeled waters
An endless river of the wellspring of life
Hope in the wilderness
manna from heaven
and the light in the darkness
The path along the way
and our hope for eternity
July 16, 2006 14:39
Psalm 36:8b (within Psalm 36:7-10)
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,010+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Shepherd's Hook
A shepherd’s hook
stood in the corner of the empty office
a reminder of the role
the reason for this room,
in the corner of the building
it called to be used
to have sweat and dirt join the clean wood
to be used in the field, in work,
to guard and lead and protect
the members of the flock
A memory of the old shepherd
and those for whom it is more than metaphor
reminding me of the cane
in the corner of the new house
at the close of “Miracle on 34th Street”
A reminder that believing is seeing,
that He will always be their
he will remember the covenant, his promises
that the Good Shepherd is always watching
watching over us
His rod and his staff
are there to protect,
give us safe haven in a troubled world
a symbol, indicia
of his love, our joy
like the bow in the sky
and the bread and wine
in remembrance
of the hand of the master
the staff to ward off enemies
and the hook to bring them and us home
July 16, 2006 14:17
Genesis 8:12-17, Psalm 23:4, Matthew 28:20, and John 10:11.
stood in the corner of the empty office
a reminder of the role
the reason for this room,
in the corner of the building
it called to be used
to have sweat and dirt join the clean wood
to be used in the field, in work,
to guard and lead and protect
the members of the flock
A memory of the old shepherd
and those for whom it is more than metaphor
reminding me of the cane
in the corner of the new house
at the close of “Miracle on 34th Street”
A reminder that believing is seeing,
that He will always be their
he will remember the covenant, his promises
that the Good Shepherd is always watching
watching over us
His rod and his staff
are there to protect,
give us safe haven in a troubled world
a symbol, indicia
of his love, our joy
like the bow in the sky
and the bread and wine
in remembrance
of the hand of the master
the staff to ward off enemies
and the hook to bring them and us home
July 16, 2006 14:17
Genesis 8:12-17, Psalm 23:4, Matthew 28:20, and John 10:11.
All
of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 30,100+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Boot in einer Flasche
Okay, for those who don’t speak German,
the title of the poem is
“A Boat in a Bottle”
and that’s the point,
this is about doing just that…
and the tension in trying
a class project gone awry
Not doing one
but two things badly
In my sophomore year
in Ms. Keefe’s German class
we had to do something and describe it
auf Deutsch
My brilliant idea was to learn how
to make a boat in a bottle
This may be a case where not following the directions
Is the better path.
I have no idea what I wrote,
what I told the class to do
though I vaguely do remember some
of these words
“Sie schnitzen den Block des Holzes in die Form
des Rumpfs des Bootes.”
(You carve the block of wood into the shape
of the hull of the boat.)
And I remember desperately trying and laughing
to find that dowling is dowling
The main thing I learned was
Dieses Projekt erfordert Geduld.
(This project requires patience.)
And that is hard to do while demonstrating
something you’ve never done before
and speaking another language
during the nice awkward time
of puberty
July 16, 2006 14:05
1976 - Making a boat in a bottle, for my project to do a how to for German class
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/michel.bardet/conseilsa.htm (and of course the site where I found the best instructions was a site in French “Bateaux en Bouteilles”). And back in 1976, we had no sites like - http://dictionary.reference.com/translate/text.html (I wish it was).
You need to sand the wood dowling to a point.
--- Sie müssen das Holz versanden, das zu einem Punkt dowling ist.
You shape a piece of modeling clay to be the base and the waves of the water, to hold your boat.
--- Sie formen ein Stück modellierenden Lehm, um die Unterseite und die Wellen des Wassers zu sein, Ihr Boot zu halten.
You carefully pull the string so that the masts tilt into a vertical position.
-- Sie ziehen sorgfältig die Zeichenkette, damit die Maste in eine vertikale Position kippen.
the title of the poem is
“A Boat in a Bottle”
and that’s the point,
this is about doing just that…
and the tension in trying
a class project gone awry
Not doing one
but two things badly
In my sophomore year
in Ms. Keefe’s German class
we had to do something and describe it
auf Deutsch
My brilliant idea was to learn how
to make a boat in a bottle
This may be a case where not following the directions
Is the better path.
I have no idea what I wrote,
what I told the class to do
though I vaguely do remember some
of these words
“Sie schnitzen den Block des Holzes in die Form
des Rumpfs des Bootes.”
(You carve the block of wood into the shape
of the hull of the boat.)
And I remember desperately trying and laughing
to find that dowling is dowling
The main thing I learned was
Dieses Projekt erfordert Geduld.
(This project requires patience.)
And that is hard to do while demonstrating
something you’ve never done before
and speaking another language
during the nice awkward time
of puberty
July 16, 2006 14:05
1976 - Making a boat in a bottle, for my project to do a how to for German class
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/michel.bardet/conseilsa.htm (and of course the site where I found the best instructions was a site in French “Bateaux en Bouteilles”). And back in 1976, we had no sites like - http://dictionary.reference.com/translate/text.html (I wish it was).
You need to sand the wood dowling to a point.
--- Sie müssen das Holz versanden, das zu einem Punkt dowling ist.
You shape a piece of modeling clay to be the base and the waves of the water, to hold your boat.
--- Sie formen ein Stück modellierenden Lehm, um die Unterseite und die Wellen des Wassers zu sein, Ihr Boot zu halten.
You carefully pull the string so that the masts tilt into a vertical position.
-- Sie ziehen sorgfältig die Zeichenkette, damit die Maste in eine vertikale Position kippen.
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 27,390+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Dance of the Marionette
He rose to speak of not one
but the dance of two kings
two men of different moment
different weight in the eyes, the memory of God
one danced at the sense of joy
the feeling of wonder, happiness
in the presence of the creator, protector of his people
the other, danced the dance
of a marionette
with a few too many masters
and tangled string
dancing to someone else’s tune
knowing the at some level the fate
he would bear for the choice
to dance
a pawn on the larger stage
and in his home
a king in name
but not in reality
pushed by masters
to follow their lead
not his own heart
knowing the wrong
he committed
Juxtaposed, these kings
the anointed boy, a new shepherd
and the jaundiced puppet
playing their parts
dancing it would seem
to very different tunes
July 16, 2006 13:38
Based on the sermon, “The Dances of Kings”, by the Reverend Peter Avery Hey, Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH, on the dance of King David in 2 Samuel 6:12b-19 and the seeming dance of King Herod in Mark 6:14-29. David danced at the procession bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. Herod danced himself into beheading John the Baptist even though he knew John was a holy man.
but the dance of two kings
two men of different moment
different weight in the eyes, the memory of God
one danced at the sense of joy
the feeling of wonder, happiness
in the presence of the creator, protector of his people
the other, danced the dance
of a marionette
with a few too many masters
and tangled string
dancing to someone else’s tune
knowing the at some level the fate
he would bear for the choice
to dance
a pawn on the larger stage
and in his home
a king in name
but not in reality
pushed by masters
to follow their lead
not his own heart
knowing the wrong
he committed
Juxtaposed, these kings
the anointed boy, a new shepherd
and the jaundiced puppet
playing their parts
dancing it would seem
to very different tunes
July 16, 2006 13:38
Based on the sermon, “The Dances of Kings”, by the Reverend Peter Avery Hey, Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH, on the dance of King David in 2 Samuel 6:12b-19 and the seeming dance of King Herod in Mark 6:14-29. David danced at the procession bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. Herod danced himself into beheading John the Baptist even though he knew John was a holy man.
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