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, 2021, 2022 and 2023. 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.
Pages
Friday, September 29, 2006
Waiting for Her Son
A traditional mother,
dressed in native garb
waiting for her son,
living in another world,
one more familiar to him,
to the daughter in her arms
language and culture separate us
two parents there for their child
to end the school day and go home
so similar are we, if we could all
see through the differences
September 29, 2006 16:31
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Living Bark
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Precarious Perch
too late for flowers, growing
pushing through the tiny bit of soil
held in place between the rock and cement
of the retaining wall
living color of green, serrated leaves
perched inches from the sidewalk,
pushed roots to hold its balance
hardy plant, against the grey
September 29, 2006 16:26
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 20,790+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Orange amid the Greens and Grey
eating the limb of the living tree,
framed by the field, the backdrop of other
fall foliage, starkness of color
pressing forth, demanding attention
after the fall rain and cool sunlight
warmed them for an instant
Fighting for attention
while I walk the girls home
after a Friday at school
living fungus, asking for a star turn
9/29/06 16:22
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Purple Trumpet
hangs heavy on its vine,
held by the connections, the hooks
the nature of itself, wet from the rain
starting to shrivel and curl
long past his heyday, a tenor
with a sore throat, a bit out of tune
fighting for his swan song,
after the sun warms him, gives him
a final burst of breath, to blow
for all he’s worth, one last song
Mood Indigo no doubt,
Jazz funeral for the trumpeter
soon to fade away
September 29, 2006 16:14
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Grapes, hiding on the vine
Captured Aura
captured even by the digital lens
seeing the light shining off
the soft petals, capturing the motion
the movement of the flower
in the fall breeze, moist air
water rising from the ground
the water cycle at play
in our neighborhood
Frozen motion, reflected back
for the lucky ones
who notice the radiance
in the fall scene
September 29, 2006 16:00
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Fluted Petals
the air, cool after the shower
tempting hummingbirds
petals curled to lure and entice
lavender, pastel purple, bring
French’s yellow
shining in the wet skin
after the rain
September 29, 2006 15:55
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Saturated Red
catching the sunlight
drinking in the color,
overwhelm the senses
rich smooth velvety red
crimson flowers
bursting in fall
shining while they can
before Jack Frost
burns the petals, bites
September 29, 2006 15:50
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Fallen Petals
in the wet green grass
shimmering in the late afternoon
filtered sunlight after the rain
rich color, radiates in reds
and greens, contrasting
below the rose blooms
still reaching heavenward
so soon they will all fall, petal
by supple petal, to the ground
below, the fertile lawn
soon winter will follow fall
grip this urban garden
but we still have a warming sun
shining down, even on
fallen petals in the wet grass
September 29, 2006 15:29
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Who is Great - v2
Loving, forgiving
Sacrificing His life
Wonderful gift of grace
Messiah
September 29, 2006
Cinquain on Mark 9:30-37
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Raining Leaves
red maple, yellow birch,
fell in showers, amidst the big secondary
rain drops under the canopy of the old oak
falling to the wet pavement, pooling,
puddling, sharing layers of space,
fusing with the September rain
in the dark of the shadows, in brightening
as sun filters through the steel grey clouds
looking out the kitchen window
over the dishes in the sink
watch the curtains of leaves, swirl in the
breeze, drizzle downward, earthward,
prisoners of gravity, of the whim of the wind
raining down this afternoon
September 29, 2006 14:10
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Our Big Day
we were quite a sight,
marching into the courthouse
hand in hand, we walked
waiting to cross the threshold
complete the process we had begun
to stitch new branches on the family tree
giving name and heart to these girls
sharing moments of joy
with mom and my new step-dad
a smiling judge, ready with welcome
casting the die and sealing our fate
adoption finished, smile for the camera
save this moment for posterity
to share another day, when they are
older, more aware perhaps
able to understand what we did
and why, how it came to pass
this fall day
September 28, 2006 21:49
12 hours ago
edited 9/29/06 12:57
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Burble and Barnabas
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Our Big Day
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Mysteries of Awareness
concepts that I would never have grasped
at their age, I am sure, able to see the
meaning of the acts, the gravity of the
coming day, in all our lives.
Where did they gain this insight,
this clarity of vision?
Why am I so surprised by their joy,
their sharing of the wonder of the moment
Who do I want them to be, to become
in their own right
When will I believe it is real
when the shutter flashes
and the moment in its finality
is preserved
September 27, 2006 20:29
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Officially Foss
be Officially Foss,
her little sister said
she would be my daughter
officially. Funny the authority
they chose, to explain the consequence
of the step we are taking, adopting
two precious jewels, two wonderful
beautiful treasures, warm, loving souls
bringing smiles to my being, cracking
façade and veneer, flaking away years
and years of feelings, an emptiness
filled by them, by their older sister,
building a family with three last names
three children, loved by their mother so,
nurtured, coaxed, taught, disciplined,
shown the mystery of faith, the grace
of the creator, the one triune God.
And what it is to be a family, to be
part of the others, one body, one family
around the dinner table, in the pew,
in our prayers for each other
now some will be officially my own
sharing my name, with her
September 27, 2006 20:24
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Bring the Kleenex
my eyes welling up, in pure happiness
overwhelmed by my feelings
overcome by the words he will speak
changing my life, for the better
bringing them to me, on a new level
stirring emotions deep within my soul
kinship in the courtroom, descendants
of affinity, of hope, of our making
sharing with other loved ones
our moment of union, of joining
tears will fall, fall down my warm cheeks
I am sure; but such is happiness
overflowing cup, sweet tears
of joy, of belonging, of completion
September 27, 2006 18:38
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
The Magic Freezer
in the magic freezer,
a big, old, standup freezer,
down in the dark basement,
fed by the long, orange extension cord
far, far away,
at the far end of the house,
far from our side, our storage
snake through the boxes, the stuff
flip on the switch and open the
heavy white door, gather in
the harvest of the grocery store
the bounty of thrifty shopping
ready for the mother’s talents
her cooking in the kitchen
crafting delicious meals
from the food stored
in the magic freezer
September 27, 2006 17:10
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Crouched
a young human version,
of the famous jumping frog
Calaveras County, or some other locale
she was crouched, hovering over the wall,
beside the parking lot, above the
sidewalk by the roadway
aqua teal, faded pastel tank top
probably chilly in September,
white shorts, knees above her elbows
ready to spring, uncoil,
leap in the air as her mom touched
her bare right shoulder, to catch her
wayward attention, to their leaving
when she was crouched, ready to jump
September 27, 2006 17:01
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Celebrated_Jumping_Frog_of_Calaveras_County
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Her Heritage
conjured up in the haze
of the burning sage,
the haunting sounds
of the wolf, the owl, the flute
the tune on the wind in
the recording. I watched
her eyes, her features
soften, transform into
a long dead ancestor,
Indian of these shores,
high cheekbones, noble race
one of her strands, the threads
of her history, not a constant in
her mind; but there to see it
as she sat at the table, transfixed
by the curls of smoke, rising
toward the ceiling.
Being one with the spirits,
the energy of her native past
calling her with smell and sound
grounding her in the wisdom
the truth in the earth
September 27, 2006 16:49
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Anticipating
romping and shouting, in the living room
I hear their squeals, their play, their joy
in being, in being children. They know, know some at least
of what is to come, the change in our lives
to come tomorrow. That they will share my name
our lives joined more fully in some ways,
my joy made more complete, maybe;
but they have been my girls, far longer
A volunteer joining the bedlam, the realities
of parenthood, of children not my own
balancing my life anew with her, with them
sharing so much more of life, with this precious gift
a family, not a couple, children of my own
in so many ways, when the judge rules
and our fate is sealed, grafting a family
foreign shoots to the old trunk, the
family tree of my heritage, my blood
Sharing them with her, our bonds made stronger
with the chance to recast our past, our future
September 27, 2006 16:24
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Happy Birthday Google!!!
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
No Call No Show
selfish, lack of respect
oblivious to the consequences
his disregard of the process
his responsibilities, his arrogance
no call, no show, effects on them
on the family, fallout and then
nothingness, unmet promises
abandoned obligations
hurt, and loss, to a point
continuing still, lack of respect
for others. All about him
too bad, so sad attitude
wrong headed and weak
September 27, 2006 10:23
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
The 23rd Psalm
http://www.interviewwithgod.com/psalm23.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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
The Interview with God - view the presentation
http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Time
http://www.time.gov/timezone.cgi?Eastern/d/-5/java
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Seeing Their Hearing
the wonder of discovery
the play and banter
preschoolers and
kindergarten learning
exploring, awakening
to sound and socializing
Freed from their biology
their situation, by tools
by loving supports from
teachers, parents ready, willing
to sacrifice, to nurture, to learn
empower themselves, to prepare
their son, their daughter
to advocate, to grow, to find their way
in a different world, but one where
they too belong, where they fit in
Choosing one path, one choice,
the right one for them
Seeing the fruits, smiles, giggles,
words and interactions
where isolation and frustration
would have been their fate
in years past
Seeing their hearing, knowing
only in part the joy, the wonder
the amazement in their eyes
as they join, engage, their world
September 26, 2006 11:09
Written after observing children in active learning at
HEAR in New Hampshire
http://www.hearinnh.org/
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Parsed Playtime
Time measured and metered
codified and labeled
between clients and general
practice work, in tenths of an hour
little by little hours parsed and split
to show the progress, the value
the worth of time spent
But play, downtime, fun time
measured too, somewhat less
less spontaneous, more ordered
too, time with the girls, time to pause
minutes, moments to reflect, to write
to breath in and renew
all documented in fragments of
time recorded in six-minute bites
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Her Salty Cheeks
her nose on the wooden headboard
crying loudly within the space below the top bunk
echoing her cries off wall and board,
inconsolable for a few moments, until the startle
the pain subsides. I leaned to her, trying to calm
her wails but with little effect. I bent to her level
kissed her salty cheeks, using Daddy love, to kiss
the hurt away. Not this time. Time would be needed
instead, to dissipate the shock, bad bed, bad
for hurting Miss Nequa. Our warrior princess
She settled only, after Momma came up to
check on her princess, to kiss the boo boo too
September 24, 2006 21:47
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 18,860+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Who is the Greatest
Give, help
Caring for people
Seeing everyone’s innate worth
Empathy
September 24, 2006 16:56
A cinquain on Mark 9:30-37
http://teams.lacoe.edu/documentation/classrooms/amy/algebra/5-6/activities/poetry/cinquain.html
http://members.optusnet.com.au/kazoom/poetry/cinquain.html
http://members.optusnet.com.au/kazoom/poetry/cinquain.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 18,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
365 poems in 365 days
Edited October 26, 2013
A Year in Words
for the past year
flowing from the keys I press,
the pen, the paper, the gift of God
for some salve for my soul
a balm to share
words of hope, of love, of beauty
of justice and law, of whim and whimsy
day by day they come, in bursts and in drips
singly or in bunches, they come
raining down, falling like showers,
of waves on the rocks of life
building up, washing away
depending on the words that come
A gift revealed over and over again
beyond my understanding;
but welcome nonetheless
each time the muse speaks
that God speaks, through me.
Edited October 26, 2013