Saturday, December 09, 2006

Acrostic calls to be Prophets

In the Sunday School lesson for Middle High School students for December 10, 2006, within the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum, there is an assignment based on Luke 1:68-79, the prophecy of Zechariah. We are to “invite youth to consider what it means to have the words, ‘And you, child, will be…’ spoken to them. In what ways might they live out this blessing and vision? Invite youth to create acrostic poems by writing the letters of their names vertically down the left side of the sheets of paper. Have them use each of the letters of their name to start a word or sentence to describe one way in which they could be a prophet, telling others about God’s way.” This is one of a series of 6 poems (five written by me and one about me written by my wife Ruth) trying to prepare myself for this task by writing an acrostic poem following these directions about each of the five members of my family. RAF 12/9/06 12:12

Raymond

Rail against injustice
Advocate for the rights of the weak in court, in the gate, and in the schools
Yearn for a closer walk with You by spending time in Your word
Mold the lives of my children to follow your ways
Organize people to fight for the rights of others
Never grow faint when the cause is just
Discern and do Your will oh Lord, not my own

December 9, 2006 12:15

Raymond (by Ruth)

Remember the Grace God has shown you
Always pray without ceasing
Yearn to know God and His path for you
Memorize God’s word and keep it in you heart
Open your heart to hear God’s still, small voice
Never lose faith
Depend on God

December 9, 2006 9:00
(written by Ruth Foss)

Ruth

Renew yourself with God’s Word
Use your gifts to bring others to God
Thank God without ceasing
Hear His call and answer, “Here I am”.

December 9, 2006 8:54

Erica

Employ your gifts for His glory
Remember the lessons you have been taught
Invoke His name in blessings
Communicate His love in song
Always question the world

December 9, 2006 8:50

Shyanne

Share Christ’s love in the world
Hear the cry of the people
Yearn to know God better
Always be a smiling face in the congregation
Never forget who saved you
Number yourself among the saints
Ever sing God’s praise and dance God’s glory

December 9, 2006 8:45

Shanequa

Shine in the darkness
Hear God’s call in the wilderness
Answer “Here I am Lord, use me”
Never forget God’s saving grace
Ever be grateful of the Holy Spirit at work in you
Question the acts of the people
Use your gifts for God’s glory
Arise with an open heart ready to do God’s will

December 9, 2006 8:40


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 19,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Raymond

Rail against injustice
Advocate for the rights of the weak in court,
in the gate, and in the schools
Yearn for a closer walk with You by spending time in Your word
Mold the lives of our children to follow your ways
Organize people to fight for the rights of others
Never grow faint when the cause is just
Discern and do Your will oh Lord, not my own


December 9, 2006 12:15
In the Sunday School lesson for Middle High School students for December 10, 2006, within the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum, there is an assignment based on Luke 1:68-79, the prophecy of Zechariah. We are to “invite youth to consider what it means to have the words, ‘And you, child, will be…’ spoken to them. In what ways might they live out this blessing and vision? Invite youth to create acrostic poems by writing the letters of their names vertically down the left side of the sheets of paper. Have them use each of the letters of their name to start a word or sentence to describe one way in which they could be a prophet, telling others about God’s way.” This is one of a series of 6 poems (five written by me and one about me written by my wife Ruth) trying to prepare myself for this task by writing an acrostic poem following these directions about each of the five members of my family. RAF 12/9/06 12:12


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 19,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Raymond (by Ruth)

Remember the Grace God has shown you
Always pray without ceasing
Yearn to know God and His path for you
Memorize God’s word and keep it in you heart
Open your heart to hear God’s still, small voice
Never lose faith
Depend on God


December 9, 2006 9:00
(written by Ruth Foss)
In the Sunday School lesson for Middle High School students for December 10, 2006, within the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum, there is an assignment based on Luke 1:68-79, the prophecy of Zechariah. We are to “invite youth to consider what it means to have the words, ‘And you, child, will be…’ spoken to them. In what ways might they live out this blessing and vision? Invite youth to create acrostic poems by writing the letters of their names vertically down the left side of the sheets of paper. Have them use each of the letters of their name to start a word or sentence to describe one way in which they could be a prophet, telling others about God’s way.” This is one of a series of 6 poems (five written by me and one about me written by my wife Ruth) trying to prepare myself for this task by writing an acrostic poem following these directions about each of the five members of my family. RAF 12/9/06 12:12

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 19,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Ruth

Renew yourself with God’s Word
Use your gifts to bring others to God
Thank God without ceasing
Hear His call and answer, “Here I am”.


December 9, 2006 8:54
In the Sunday School lesson for Middle High School students for December 10, 2006, within the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum, there is an assignment based on Luke 1:68-79, the prophecy of Zechariah. We are to “invite youth to consider what it means to have the words, ‘And you, child, will be…’ spoken to them. In what ways might they live out this blessing and vision? Invite youth to create acrostic poems by writing the letters of their names vertically down the left side of the sheets of paper. Have them use each of the letters of their name to start a word or sentence to describe one way in which they could be a prophet, telling others about God’s way.” This is one of a series of 6 poems (five written by me and one about me written by my wife Ruth) trying to prepare myself for this task by writing an acrostic poem following these directions about each of the five members of my family. RAF 12/9/06 12:12


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 19,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Erica

Employ your gifts for His glory
Remember the lessons you have been taught
Invoke His name in blessings
Communicate His love in song
Always question the world


December 9, 2006 8:50
In the Sunday School lesson for Middle High School students for December 10, 2006, within the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum, there is an assignment based on Luke 1:68-79, the prophecy of Zechariah. We are to “invite youth to consider what it means to have the words, ‘And you, child, will be…’ spoken to them. In what ways might they live out this blessing and vision? Invite youth to create acrostic poems by writing the letters of their names vertically down the left side of the sheets of paper. Have them use each of the letters of their name to start a word or sentence to describe one way in which they could be a prophet, telling others about God’s way.” This is one of a series of 6 poems (five written by me and one about me written by my wife Ruth) trying to prepare myself for this task by writing an acrostic poem following these directions about each of the five members of my family. RAF 12/9/06 12:12

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 19,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Shyanne

Share Christ’s love in the world
Hear the cry of the people
Yearn to know God better
Always be a smiling face in the congregation
Never forget who saved you
Number yourself among the saints
Ever sing God’s praise and dance God’s glory


December 9, 2006 8:45
In the Sunday School lesson for Middle High School students for December 10, 2006, within the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum, there is an assignment based on Luke 1:68-79, the prophecy of Zechariah. We are to “invite youth to consider what it means to have the words, ‘And you, child, will be…’ spoken to them. In what ways might they live out this blessing and vision? Invite youth to create acrostic poems by writing the letters of their names vertically down the left side of the sheets of paper. Have them use each of the letters of their name to start a word or sentence to describe one way in which they could be a prophet, telling others about God’s way.” This is one of a series of 6 poems (five written by me and one about me written by my wife Ruth) trying to prepare myself for this task by writing an acrostic poem following these directions about each of the five members of my family. RAF 12/9/06 12:12


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 19,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Shanequa

Shine in the darkness
Hear God’s call in the wilderness
Answer “Here I am Lord, use me”
Never forget God’s saving grace
Ever be grateful of the Holy Spirit at work in you
Question the acts of the people
Use your gifts for God’s glory
Arise with an open heart ready to do God’s will


December 9, 2006 8:40
In the Sunday School lesson for Middle High School students for December 10, 2006, within the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum, there is an assignment based on Luke 1:68-79, the prophecy of Zechariah. We are to “invite youth to consider what it means to have the words, ‘And you, child, will be…’ spoken to them. In what ways might they live out this blessing and vision? Invite youth to create acrostic poems by writing the letters of their names vertically down the left side of the sheets of paper. Have them use each of the letters of their name to start a word or sentence to describe one way in which they could be a prophet, telling others about God’s way.” This is one of a series of 6 poems (five written by me and one about me written by my wife Ruth) trying to prepare myself for this task by writing an acrostic poem following these directions about each of the five members of my family. RAF 12/9/06 12:12


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 19,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Friday, December 08, 2006

After the Greening

in the dimly lit
Sanctuary, the Chancel
ready for the Choir’s rehearsal
aglow and adorned
pausing to notice
the manger, still empty, the altar,
the Crimson trees
the wreaths, the lights
the feel of Christmas
in this holy space
in Advent,
After the greening


December 8, 2006 21:10



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 21,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Decorations

Slowly, over the course of the week
the house of place of memory
of Christmas cheer, of garland
and glow, of greenery, stockings
wreaths, lights, and sweet Noel
of the babe, the hope, the
joy, the Peace on Earth
slowly, surely, as boxes
yield their treasure
from years of our lives
bangles and baubles,
adoring the tables,
walls, and windowsills
fixed up by her
loving hands


December 8, 2006 21:06

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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Advent

The approach, the coming, the hoping
for the coming of the King, into our hearts
as He came into the world, with fanfare and angels
shepherds and wise men, but maybe just a bit less
with husband and wife, with lamb and oxen
with hay and a manger, cold and dusty
quietly coming into the world because he came
to serve, to suffer, to teach, to save
We remember his coming and long for his coming
to save us and bring us home
We hope and pray for that arrival and journey
so long ago and so near at hand


December 8, 2006 19:59



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 21,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Winter Coming

The white of the dusting of snow
lingers in the shadows, on the fallen leaves,
the cooler spots in the yard,
in the lee of the shrubs, the crooks of the branches
in subtle and still ways, remaining
a little longer, cooling the world,
providing fringe and accent
before the sameness of winter
when shades of gray in the snow
will mark its edges, dimensions
now it remains trim around the edges
in little and small places, in the calm
away from sun and activity
hiding a while before fading
slowly, slowly, away
before the winter coming


December 8, 2006 19:52

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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Handmaiden

Servant concubine,
lowly servant, so she was
offered to be, in submission
willing submission
to her God, when He spoke
Changing her life forever,
her way no longer her own
betrothed and begotten son
of God
a womb opened
by the Spirit
filled with love
born to save


December 8, 2006 19:44
Luke 1:39-44


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 19,830+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Pearl Reconsidered

For so long, in my life,
unable to discern, to appreciate
the moment of shock, or anger,
of desire for revenge, for a call to duty
to vigilance, to service
not like anything in my experience,
the attack on Pearl, the Day of Infamy,
December 7, 1941 (can you hear his voice too?)

But our lives changed, and we know their pain
the anger they felt, sixty five years gone by
because we were visited by cowards in the skies
Kamikazes of another zealot, another madman
bent on surprise and attack
when the towers fell, we were pulled back
to the crackling radio and
FDR’s righteous indignation
We too knew what it felt like
and we will never forget

Too bad the enemy is no longer
a nation-state


====
edited December 7, 2016
Pearl Reconsidered – v2
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
75th anniversary of the attack
December 8, 2006 19:40
Pearl Reconsidered
edited September 10, 2016
Terror – v3
15th Anniversary of attacks of September 11, 2001
edited January 7, 2016
Terror – v2
posted February 17, 2004
written 9/11/01 22:12
Terror
&
edited September 11, 2015
Raising the Colors – v4
(editing version 2)
September 11, 2015,
14th anniversary of attacks of September 11, 2015
Edited September 11, 2012
new poem – “An Audible Gasp - 2”
September 11, 2012
“A Gasp”
written about my experience at
Franklin Pierce Law Center
Concord, NH
on September 11, 2001
in the TV lounge
where we all stayed, transfixed by the images
&
latest 20 poems about
September 11, 2001
&
posted February 22, 2004
written 11/6/03 13:30, edits 11/8/03 12:46
Circles
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2004/02/circles.html
About the print show at Pierce Law by Aaron Brown of November 2003. He said the prints were about the events of 9/11/01, especially the twisted metal of the bombed buildings. They came months after the attack when he finally returned to print work after a lengthy hiatus when he wrote instead. His wife shared that they all came out in a burst of activity over a single week. Aaron would only get a few hours of sleep each night and was almost working round the clock in the studio. His activities were so frenetic and continuous that he left the paints out, and would merely spray them so they remained wet and fresh.
&
written and posted September 11, 2004
Three Years
about September 11, 2001
&
September 11, 2007
Where Will They Attack
&
December 8, 2006 19:40
Pearl Reconsidered
&
edited December 7, 2014
Because They Died – v4
(editing version 2)
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
&
edited December 7, 2014
Anniversary – v2
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
8/29/2002
Anniversary
&
President Roosevelt’s Address to the Nation / Declaration of War
&
edited November 11, 2014
Because They Died – v3
Veteran’s Day
edited May 25, 2014
Because They Died – v2
May 31, 2010
Because They Died
Memorial Day
===========
edited September 11, 2016
his body slumped – v2
September 10, 2016
entombed within the rubble
edited September 10, 2016
Circles – v3
edited January 7, 2016
Circles – v2
posted February 22, 2004
written 11/6/03 13:30, edits 11/8/03 12:46
Circles
edited September 10, 2016
As I woke this morning – v4
September 10, 2016
his body slumped
15th anniversary of attacks of September 11, 2001
-------
edited November 23, 2015
As I woke this morning – v3
(editing version 2)
&
September 22, 2011
Fruits of Rage
melding the consequence of possibly executing an innocent man
and the decade since September 11, 2001
September 21, 2011
Fruits of a Decade
September 21, 2011
Seeds of Hate
September 11, 2011
Reclaiming September 12
September 11, 2011
Reliving these moments
September 10, 2011
Terror Real
10th anniversary of September 11, 2001
and the plot to attack DC and NY
reported September 9, 2011
&
edited September 10, 2011
As I woke this morning – v2
all of my September 11, 2001 poems
----------------
September 11, 2008
As I woke this morning
On the anniversary of September 11, 2001
watching it my first year of law school
Franklin Pierce Law Center, Concord, NH


All of my poems, photographs, and videos 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 42,500+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

America, calling, Faith, forgiveness, God, God’s purpose, grace, judgment, justice, Law, love, Methodist, Osama bin Laden, Poetry Where You Live, Al Qaeda, September 11, terror, tragedy #ISIS

#America #hope #Faith #Honor911 #God #Law #love #September11 #terror #tragedy #Pentagon #Navy #JAG
------------------------

Christ, Faith, God, grace, love, calling, purpose, Savior, Methodist, Poetry Where You Live, America, servant, Veteran’s Day, patriotism, Memorial Day, sacrifice, Pearl Harbor,

#Christ #Faith #God #grace #love #calling #purpose #UMC #servant #MemorialDay #VeteransDay #veteran #sacrifice #America #PearlHarbor

==========

America, child, creator, flag, love, grace, God, Poetry Where You Live, world, Pearl Harbor, September 11,  war, terror, faith, Lord, law, justice, judgment, Methodist, calling,

#child #creator #flag #God #poetry #senses #son #world #PearlHarbor #America #September11 #war #terror #faith #law #justice #911 #neverforget #remember911

=============

Faith, God, love, grace, Poetry Where You Live, United Methodist, Lord, law, justice, God’s purpose, calling, September 11, America, tragedy, terror, forgiveness, never forget, children,

#Faith #God #America #tragedy #terror #hope #life #neverforget #children #September11 #Honor911

Comfort Food

Dinner after dinner, as the weather changed
we enjoyed, were warmed, comforted
by staples, meals we love, count on
hearty beef stew, shepherd’s pie,
steak and potatoes, lasagna, cheese cake
Mmmm, so good, smiles welling up on
the family’s faces, shining in the glow
of the warm feelings of our tummies
after the fruits of her labors
slice past the tastebuds,
knowing the skill and finesse,
expressions of love,
coming in the next one
or in seconds tonight


December 8, 2006 19:26


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 19,830+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Cash Customer

Weekly payments, cash payments
for the work performed, day by day
helping them and their family,
do what is right, funded by cash payments
no retainer, no bills; weekly pledging
honorable agreement, covenant together
trusting each other to be there, to do
the thing we promised
to live up to the bargain, sealed
by a handshake more than a contract
fulfilling what was promised
because we said we would


December 8, 2006 19:21


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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Cold Breeze

Okay, it felt a lot like a lot more than a cold breeze
a frigid arctic blast, more like it, that first early
hard cold wind of late fall, early winter, with the first
dry, cold snowfall, caught in constant whirlwinds
dancing on the cold pavement.
Skimcoats of ice on the shoulders, at the crosswalks,
the street lights, where the cars idled, a quietude too
in the city on this day, as if knowing the cold coming
when it will take up residence, settle in and camp out
Wind whipping down the broad streets, north and south
seek shelter in the lee of the buildings, walk east and west
avoid the open spaces, the wide boulevards,
feel the catch of the air in your lungs, clenched shoulders
hunched up to keep the collar around my neck
ears hot from fighting the cold, sanctuary inside
A first taste of the winter two weeks away
Oh to be warm again


December 8, 2006 17:20


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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Zipping Her Coat

An extra precious moment of peace
stopping the back and forth of my day
crouch down before her, as she adjusts
the new backpack on her small frame
stocking cap and matching mittens
mark the change of season
a winter coat, open at the front
I slowly match the zipper halves,
zip up the coat and snap it shut
tapping her on the chest
She gives me that smile, that hug
that melt your heart, “I love you daddy”
She turns and is gone, out the door
Pre-school awaits after all
don’t want to be late for gym, Dad
Off she goes and I return to my tasks
happier for taking the moment
to zip her coat


December 7, 2006 12:39


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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Milkweed Bouquet

Like a bloom of tongues,
tasting the fall air,
a shepherd’s hook of a milkweed plant
heavy pod drawn to the ground
hanging ready, ripe, ready to release
a clutch of seeds, held fast by the lips of the pod
hanging down, spread wide by the breeze
a bouquet of flowers, with silken stems
dark cocoa brown flowers
Ready for their release
into the wind


December 7, 2006 12:00


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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Swath through the Ice

There was a scar of dark black brown
open water, cut through the thin skin of ice
the pond lit by the light light of fall
almost winter, overcast day, snow to come
in the forecast, later today
a gash in the pond, wider than necessary
from use, by the occupants of the den
on the point, the mound, out in the pond
the hidden beavers, keeping the water moving
while around it giving in to the cold
the joining of the crystals
sealing the pond for winter


December 7, 2006 11:56


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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

She Offered it All

A glitch in the system
a check at the store denied
She offered me all, all she had
all she had been fingering, playing with
in the store, all the money she had
offered to me, to help me out,
in love and kindness
touching my heart, and that of her mom
because she thought of us, over herself
gave all she had
to help me, the business,
the family
out of love
a sacrifice
Lessons sinking in.
Honoring her gift
with praise and acknowledgement
that we are proud
as is her Savior
because she acted like Jesus
and we told her so
Maybe another time
in another place
she will again remember
to give, and love others
before thinking of oneself


December 7, 2006 12:29am


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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

What Mary Said

She said yes, yes to her God
when asked to carry the Son
to be mother to her savior, our savior
not fearful as she must have been
but certain, confident, in the angel’s words
the love of the God of Israel
She said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord;
let it be with me according to your word”
She became mother to us all, as He is our brother
Our redeemer, our savior too
Because she accepted the blessing


December 6, 2006 7:23
Luke 1:26-56


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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Elizabeth and Mary

A filled closed womb
the proof for the virgin
of the hand of God, the child
by the Spirit, now growing within her
proven by the child growing too
in Elizabeth, the child who knows
the child within her, that He is the one
the Savior, long before their birth
joined as they were in ministry
to heal the people and set them free


December 5, 2006 22:57
Luke 1


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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Dancing Penguins

She was struck silent, motionless
as we entered the grocery store.
For a fleeting moment, she was mesmerized,
frozen where she stood watching,
in wonder and awe,
a pair of dancing penguins,
and a dancing polar bear
dancing to some silent song
not playing out loud
She probably knows the tune
and was humming to herself
in the way a four year old can
struck dumb by the dancing penguins
before the candy cane at the bank
quickened her heart


December 5, 2006 22:54


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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Voice for the Wilderness

Crying out for the repentance of sin
for the way of the Lord, soon to come
to fulfill the prophecies, to be Elijah
come back to prepare the way
to ready the people, with cleansing water
shed the dirt, the stain of sin
renew the people before the coming
of their king


December 5, 2006 22:49
Luke 1:68-79 & Luke 3:1-6

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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Special Appeal

We are going to ask
the congregation to give
to give a little more for the missions
we hold dear, the things we feel called
to do in ministry to our world
in Jesus’ name, now
Not cutting the budgets, not trimming the sails
not turning our backs to the gales,
not running from the storm, from the challenge
the fight to come
We will boldly turn into the blast
find new resolve, new determination
to find the resources, the new members,
the new words, to find our way
to the higher ground, the calling of the Lord
reaching more in fellowship, in love
in covenant in Concord and beyond


December 4, 2006 22:43

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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Inspired Words

Words of history, of power
his words reminding us
of the work to be done,
needs yet unmet, vision and calling
unfulfilled still in the congregation
the goals set but the feet still marching
marching in place, waiting for the start
for the challenge, the task at hand
to seize the initiative, needing more
leaders, visionaries who can implement
guide, cajole, prod, pull the more reluctant
do good work now in our community
move out beyond our walls, see the
thing to be done and do it


December 4, 2006 22:34


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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sunday, December 03, 2006

A Season of Hope

We are waiting, expectantly
for the coming of the angels,
His parents,
the shepherds, the animals,
the Star, the Babe,
and the wise men, the coming
of the Christmas miracle,
the telling of the same story,
never old in the remembering
of the moment when Mary gave birth
to the one who was to come
to save His people, the one God
the only begotten son
to rescue us all from our sin,
from the divide we created
between us and God, the father, the mother
the holy mediator, arbitrator,
sacrificial lamb of God
Waiting as they did, even in the retelling
because it is a timeless story
of infinity love and good
that we need to hear,
until we all get the message
and believe


December 3, 2006 21:36


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 21,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Advent Wreath

We started a new tradition
tonight, after the service,
on our table, the table where we
sit as a family and say grace,
where we share meals
now where we share the stories
of hope, of faith, of joy, of peace
of the Christ child, the one who
saved us, who came to this world
and found a way, to sacrifice all
so we could be joined with him
A handmade wreath of greens,
of gold, of silver poinsettias,
of stemmed candle holders
and simple votives
in a growing spiral,
Words of Jeremiah, of Psalms
of Luke, all seamlessly
capturing their hope
and ours, in the God
of our ancestors,
the Christ of our saving grace
and his coming again


December 3, 2006 21:28


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 21,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hidden Deer

Driving in New England on these fall days
with brown oak leaves on the ground of the forests,
I keep looking to the woods, hoping, wanting,
pining for a glimpse of deer out under the power lines,
in amongst the rock outcroppings,
the cleared belt beyond the shoulders,
the wilder places still within sight of the interstate
in the pines, the oaks, the maples
near enough to see but safe from the hunters,
those who seek them for sport,
wanting to see them to remind me
of their beauty in their environment
their natural setting, out in the woods,
the fields at dusk, the meadows at dawn,
with space marked by their bedding
when I’m not out there myself
to find them as an equal
out in the woods with them


December 3, 2006 21:22


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 19,010+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Moon through the Batting

A quilted sky hung over the moon
hiding the full face of it, lit by its glow
obscured and translucent the dome
of the night sky, awash in cool light
no real shadows this night
softer edges, muted features of the land
under the batting of the clouds
this December eve


December 3, 2006 21:14



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 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Antikythera Mechanism

On 12/1/06, I stumbled on a news story about the Antikythera Mechanism (see generally - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_mechanism). Fascinating stuff! Some may say, reading this here, that it has nothing to do with poetry. But it has to do with creation, and the ability to capture the beauty of the movement of the celestial bodies, even so long ago. That is poetry, and I hope it is in some of mine.


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 19,010+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Her Wreath

A white paper plate,
a hole roughly cut out of the middle,
with a few haphazardly placed
pom poms, in red and green
held a simple message, in magic marker
“God is Near!”; a profound message
really, with rich, deep meaning
this Advent season, waiting for the
coming of the Christ child, the star
of the Christmas story; but
God is near, if we hold him in our hearts
if we strive to live His example
and love one another, if we walk humbly
here on earth and give more than we receive
God is near because we can be like God
because He gave us the model,
and the covenant and the commandments
God is near too, because He came and
because He will come again
as the same scripture foretold
and foretells, giving hope to a bleeding world
a world still in need of His saving grace


December 3, 2006 12:53



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 21,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.