I called her a hero.
She blushed, a little bit,
demurred a bit, laughed.
Because she is what I said she is.
a person who went out on a limb,
sacrificed, persevered,
stayed the course, carried her cross
and fought the good fight.
She knew the risks, the cost, and stood her ground
and was counted when it counted.
Her mettle was tested,
in the crucible, the refining fire
of the law, the trial
and won a victory
for us all
July 27, 2007 12:27
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 19,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Textures of Creation
Smooth glass, clear, or in the prism’s spectrum
Cool of polished marble in Washington’s monuments
smooth of a baby’s skin, freshly powdered
Soft of a ripe peach’s fuzz, feel the fruit underneath
soft of a sheep’s wool, warm to the touch
soft warm ocean water, running off my hot skin
Rough oak bark, below its broad leaves
Thick tough alligator hide
Coarse granite stone, solid, or appearing so
rough, light pumice rock, light and airy
Sharp thorns of a rose bush, protecting the delicate blooms
sharp quills of the porcupine
Gritty sand, between my toes
Moist humus, under the forest canopy
slippery oil, sticky pine pitch
Algae covered broad leaf seaweed
scaly snake skin
Hard sea shells, baking on the shore
Hot coils on the stove, glowing red
cold ice on the pond, for skating, pierced for fishing
Brittle ancient pages, crumbling under my touch,
pearls of, rivers of, sweat on my skin in the hot sun
Rough sawgrass, gelatinous bullfrog egg mass
Fuzzy bunny fur, spiny sea urchin
These are textures of creation.
Cool of polished marble in Washington’s monuments
smooth of a baby’s skin, freshly powdered
Soft of a ripe peach’s fuzz, feel the fruit underneath
soft of a sheep’s wool, warm to the touch
soft warm ocean water, running off my hot skin
Rough oak bark, below its broad leaves
Thick tough alligator hide
Coarse granite stone, solid, or appearing so
rough, light pumice rock, light and airy
Sharp thorns of a rose bush, protecting the delicate blooms
sharp quills of the porcupine
Gritty sand, between my toes
Moist humus, under the forest canopy
slippery oil, sticky pine pitch
Algae covered broad leaf seaweed
scaly snake skin
Hard sea shells, baking on the shore
Hot coils on the stove, glowing red
cold ice on the pond, for skating, pierced for fishing
Brittle ancient pages, crumbling under my touch,
pearls of, rivers of, sweat on my skin in the hot sun
Rough sawgrass, gelatinous bullfrog egg mass
Fuzzy bunny fur, spiny sea urchin
These are textures of creation.
================
edited July 7, 2018
Textures of Creation – v2
Finished July
26, 2007 22:25
Textures of Creation
Started July
11, 2007
Genesis 1
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, 2017, and 2018. All rights are
reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for
usage. See all 47,200 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
creation, creator, Faith, flowers, fruit, Genesis 1, God,
grass, ice, Methodist, Nature, ocean, rock, rose, sea glass, shepherd, stone,
texture, touch, water,
#creation #creator #Faith #flowers #fruit #Genesis1 #God
#grass #ice #Christ #Spirit #Nature #ocean #rock #rose #seaglass #shepherd
#stone #texture #touch #water #senses #smells #taste #sight #seeing #feeling
#rough #smooth #sharp
Shopping for Gifts
Little baubles, trinkets,
t-shirts, something for
my girls, for my baby.
Mementos, toys, things
Little gifts for them
from the traveling father,
just as my daddy did
when he was away
when I was their age.
July 26, 2007 22:17
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 19,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
t-shirts, something for
my girls, for my baby.
Mementos, toys, things
Little gifts for them
from the traveling father,
just as my daddy did
when he was away
when I was their age.
July 26, 2007 22:17
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 19,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Networking
Hi, how are you,
nice to see you,
what brings you here,
what are you getting
from what the speakers
are telling us;
How far was it for you,
are you staying the whole time?
I’m new at this whole thing;
here’s my card,
call me if you need something
Nice to meet you.
July 26, 2007 10:20
(50 cards handed out in the 4 days
of the conference this week)
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 19,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
nice to see you,
what brings you here,
what are you getting
from what the speakers
are telling us;
How far was it for you,
are you staying the whole time?
I’m new at this whole thing;
here’s my card,
call me if you need something
Nice to meet you.
July 26, 2007 10:20
(50 cards handed out in the 4 days
of the conference this week)
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 19,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Cobble Stones
Streets of stone
irregular, throw your ankle
streets, side streets,
fun streets, where
hidden treasures lie
in the middle of the city,
the old port,
where fishermen,
where captains tread;
Ancient whaling port
with stories in the stone streets.
July 26, 2007 10:15
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 19,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
irregular, throw your ankle
streets, side streets,
fun streets, where
hidden treasures lie
in the middle of the city,
the old port,
where fishermen,
where captains tread;
Ancient whaling port
with stories in the stone streets.
July 26, 2007 10:15
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 19,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Well-lit Rosa Rugosa
The falling sun
bathing the island
falling down, toward
the horizon, lighting
beautiful rose bloom
streaming through the rose skin,
the living fabric, translucent
smell of the rose perfume
on the sea breeze
gaze mesmerized on the flower
ablaze in color
July 25, 2007 22:30
bathing the island
falling down, toward
the horizon, lighting
beautiful rose bloom
streaming through the rose skin,
the living fabric, translucent
smell of the rose perfume
on the sea breeze
gaze mesmerized on the flower
ablaze in color
July 25, 2007 22:30
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me
at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 25,560+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry
Where You Live.
The Enemy
I met an enemy
an opponent, believing,
championing, parroting
dangerous lies. Pernicious
and sugar-coated, lies
of causation, of statistics
of blaming the victims
standing up for their rights
Rights fought for,
long held beliefs,
discounted, disputed,
in the party line;
dangerous lies
that must end.
July 25, 2007 22:25
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 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
an opponent, believing,
championing, parroting
dangerous lies. Pernicious
and sugar-coated, lies
of causation, of statistics
of blaming the victims
standing up for their rights
Rights fought for,
long held beliefs,
discounted, disputed,
in the party line;
dangerous lies
that must end.
July 25, 2007 22:25
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 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
In Grandma’s Lap
A truly special place
of safety, of security,
of love, nestled in
Grandma’s lap she lay
warm and secure,
feeling love, contentment,
in Grandma’s lap.
July 25, 2007 22:23
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 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
of safety, of security,
of love, nestled in
Grandma’s lap she lay
warm and secure,
feeling love, contentment,
in Grandma’s lap.
July 25, 2007 22:23
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 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
She Will Be a Shepherd
She has heard a steady call
to wear the Master’s sandals
to take up his staff
go out into the world
don the clothes of a servant
become the teacher,
the messenger, a shepherd
to His flock.
She will be a shepherd,
a worker in the vineyard
bringing others the Good News,
being God’s voice,
following God’s will
moving from sheep
to shepherd, now that the die is cast.
July 25, 2007 22:20
to wear the Master’s sandals
to take up his staff
go out into the world
don the clothes of a servant
become the teacher,
the messenger, a shepherd
to His flock.
She will be a shepherd,
a worker in the vineyard
bringing others the Good News,
being God’s voice,
following God’s will
moving from sheep
to shepherd, now that the die is cast.
July 25, 2007 22:20
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 27,410+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
An Image of God
We are said to be born
in the image of God,
a God who walked
with Adam, with Eve
in the Garden.
A God who came to earth,
spoke from the,
out of the, burning bush;
who was in the silence
that the prophet heard.
God came to earth
as the son, the carpenter’s son,
Mary’s son, her first born,
to walk with us, to die for us.
God is with us still, in the
Spirit left behind, in the
sureness of the answers to prayer,
prayers of the faithful.
With us too in the covenants,
the promises of the Father,
of the Son, to be with us,
to come again
and bring us home.
July 25, 2007 7:26am
Assignment for that day in the Upper Room magazine
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 19,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
in the image of God,
a God who walked
with Adam, with Eve
in the Garden.
A God who came to earth,
spoke from the,
out of the, burning bush;
who was in the silence
that the prophet heard.
God came to earth
as the son, the carpenter’s son,
Mary’s son, her first born,
to walk with us, to die for us.
God is with us still, in the
Spirit left behind, in the
sureness of the answers to prayer,
prayers of the faithful.
With us too in the covenants,
the promises of the Father,
of the Son, to be with us,
to come again
and bring us home.
July 25, 2007 7:26am
Assignment for that day in the Upper Room magazine
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 19,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
An Aborted Strike
The hawk swooped down
falling talons first,
down from the sky, out of the blue
across my field of vision, down the highway
air brakes engaged; but there was no strike,
no small creature on the ground, in the talons.
The raptor carved the sky, retracted its legs
and arched back into the blue, flapping
its broad wings, lit in the late afternoon sun
back into the heavens above.
July 27, 2007 19:41
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 19,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
falling talons first,
down from the sky, out of the blue
across my field of vision, down the highway
air brakes engaged; but there was no strike,
no small creature on the ground, in the talons.
The raptor carved the sky, retracted its legs
and arched back into the blue, flapping
its broad wings, lit in the late afternoon sun
back into the heavens above.
July 27, 2007 19:41
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 19,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Adverse Effect
A pent-up question,
crushed his swagger,
confidence, bravado,
the friendly banter,
in the cool of reflection,
for a moment, a telling moment,
because she asked the question
none of us can answer,
when a decision of the law,
an interpretation, a position taken
can have catastrophic effect,
permanent, unalterable, death.
She asked if suicide and death
would qualify as an adverse effect,
of the education they offered her?
Would that have been enough,
to tip the scales of their argument?
He paused and so did we, waiting,
for an answer that couldn’t come.
For the arguments of the advocates,
the parsing of the words, of the law,
the parts of the regulations,
are far removed from the stark reality
that she faced. Far removed from
the fear she felt, heard in the asking
of the question to him.
It was a teachable moment;
thank you for the lesson.
July 27, 2007 19:29
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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
crushed his swagger,
confidence, bravado,
the friendly banter,
in the cool of reflection,
for a moment, a telling moment,
because she asked the question
none of us can answer,
when a decision of the law,
an interpretation, a position taken
can have catastrophic effect,
permanent, unalterable, death.
She asked if suicide and death
would qualify as an adverse effect,
of the education they offered her?
Would that have been enough,
to tip the scales of their argument?
He paused and so did we, waiting,
for an answer that couldn’t come.
For the arguments of the advocates,
the parsing of the words, of the law,
the parts of the regulations,
are far removed from the stark reality
that she faced. Far removed from
the fear she felt, heard in the asking
of the question to him.
It was a teachable moment;
thank you for the lesson.
July 27, 2007 19:29
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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Wish You Were Here
Oh if I could close the miles
the distance between us,
I would pull you into my arms,
hold you oh so close,
never let you go
feel you against me
sharing your breath,
the beating of our hearts
holding you so close
in my arms
July 24, 2007 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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
the distance between us,
I would pull you into my arms,
hold you oh so close,
never let you go
feel you against me
sharing your breath,
the beating of our hearts
holding you so close
in my arms
July 24, 2007 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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Love Poem
For my love, for my beautiful wife
I love you more, so much more,
in missing you, wanting you with me
feeling the distance melt in the sound
of your voice, in my phone, my ear
Wishing I could collapse time, space
pull you into my experiences,
my memories, the conversations,
sights, sounds, the newness of this day
the glowing sunset, the haze,
the food at the buffet, the walking,
the talking, the sharing of your story,
our story, our blessings, our walk
in faith, following our calls
How much more it would be
for you to be here with me
to share our love
in the telling of our story together
But we are on different roads this week.
following our own paths. Soon
we will be together again
Oh how happy I will be!
July 25, 2007 21:09
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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
I love you more, so much more,
in missing you, wanting you with me
feeling the distance melt in the sound
of your voice, in my phone, my ear
Wishing I could collapse time, space
pull you into my experiences,
my memories, the conversations,
sights, sounds, the newness of this day
the glowing sunset, the haze,
the food at the buffet, the walking,
the talking, the sharing of your story,
our story, our blessings, our walk
in faith, following our calls
How much more it would be
for you to be here with me
to share our love
in the telling of our story together
But we are on different roads this week.
following our own paths. Soon
we will be together again
Oh how happy I will be!
July 25, 2007 21:09
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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Run the Race
If only we would just run forward,
mile on mile, not look backward,
behind us, second guessing, looking for the pack
the enemy, the assurance of the approval
of society, peers, neighbors, friends
If we could only look to the Savior,
follow the Spirit, live the scriptures
We must run the race that has been set before us
and focus on our reward at the finish line
Finished July 23, 2007 16:51
Started March 4, 2007
Philippians 3:12-4:1
Sermon “A Race Everyone Can Win”
by Rev. Peter Hey, 3/4/07
using football and the Boston Marathon as symbols
of the work we must do, the way we should 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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
mile on mile, not look backward,
behind us, second guessing, looking for the pack
the enemy, the assurance of the approval
of society, peers, neighbors, friends
If we could only look to the Savior,
follow the Spirit, live the scriptures
We must run the race that has been set before us
and focus on our reward at the finish line
Finished July 23, 2007 16:51
Started March 4, 2007
Philippians 3:12-4:1
Sermon “A Race Everyone Can Win”
by Rev. Peter Hey, 3/4/07
using football and the Boston Marathon as symbols
of the work we must do, the way we should 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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Answers to Prayer
Three parts to the story,
in the telling of the way of prayer
the words to raise,
persistence in the face of trial,
and the harvest, the bounty,
the answers to prayer
So much meaning in the
parts of the scripture,
in the lesson of the Savior,
the worth in the intoning the words,
the communing of our spirits,
the bending of our knees
before the creator.
He will answer our prayers
in ways momentous and sublime,
glorious and unfathomable.
We who are base, evil,
would give much
for neighbors in need,
how much more our loving father,
in answers to prayer.
July 22, 2007 16:42
Luke 11:1-13
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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
in the telling of the way of prayer
the words to raise,
persistence in the face of trial,
and the harvest, the bounty,
the answers to prayer
So much meaning in the
parts of the scripture,
in the lesson of the Savior,
the worth in the intoning the words,
the communing of our spirits,
the bending of our knees
before the creator.
He will answer our prayers
in ways momentous and sublime,
glorious and unfathomable.
We who are base, evil,
would give much
for neighbors in need,
how much more our loving father,
in answers to prayer.
July 22, 2007 16:42
Luke 11:1-13
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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Ripened Summer Fruit
Oh how fitting, a lectionary story
caught in the summer months,
hot and harsh for ripe summer fruit
ripening even after picking,
turning quickly to overripe fruit
So were the people, too quick to turn
from the people of God, set apart,
to the ways of the earth, to using
others, to greed, corruption,
to spoil in the sun
rather than spreading the light.
We are luckier than these,
because we have seen the true harvest
the bounty for us. Let us be
the ripened summer fruit
reaped for the good works
to share our bounty,
our message of love
July 22, 2007 16:30
Amos 8:4-12
Jeremiah 31:31
Ezekiel 10
United Methodist Hymnal, #643, “When Love is Found”
Inspired by the sermon, “Until Hope Comes”,
by the Reverend Peter A. Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
July 22, 2007
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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
caught in the summer months,
hot and harsh for ripe summer fruit
ripening even after picking,
turning quickly to overripe fruit
So were the people, too quick to turn
from the people of God, set apart,
to the ways of the earth, to using
others, to greed, corruption,
to spoil in the sun
rather than spreading the light.
We are luckier than these,
because we have seen the true harvest
the bounty for us. Let us be
the ripened summer fruit
reaped for the good works
to share our bounty,
our message of love
July 22, 2007 16:30
Amos 8:4-12
Jeremiah 31:31
Ezekiel 10
United Methodist Hymnal, #643, “When Love is Found”
Inspired by the sermon, “Until Hope Comes”,
by the Reverend Peter A. Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
July 22, 2007
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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
The Fall of the Kingdom
We see the end, the exile,
the fall of the Kingdom,
in the judgment of God,
meted out in the words
of the prophet, the stark
harsh words, casting out
the people from the land;
They had become like
their oppressors long ago.
They were to be sent to
wander yet again,
in spiritual dispersion
to again lose their anchor,
their homeland,
to wander
until the hope comes
July 22, 2007 16:11
Amos 8:4-12
Inspired by the sermon, “Until Hope Comes”,
by the Reverend Peter A. Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
July 22, 2007
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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
the fall of the Kingdom,
in the judgment of God,
meted out in the words
of the prophet, the stark
harsh words, casting out
the people from the land;
They had become like
their oppressors long ago.
They were to be sent to
wander yet again,
in spiritual dispersion
to again lose their anchor,
their homeland,
to wander
until the hope comes
July 22, 2007 16:11
Amos 8:4-12
Inspired by the sermon, “Until Hope Comes”,
by the Reverend Peter A. Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
July 22, 2007
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 19,460+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Praying is Believing
Seeing is believing,
so the telling goes, of one bit of truth
for some of the people, most of the time
at the very least.
Others share a different take, a different means
of telling the story, of life’s challenges, of faith
Believing is seeing,
to step out in faith, to do the work of a person of faith
is to believe in the unseen.
A further step on that road
could be summed up,
Praying is believing,
because it is a turning inward,
a turning over of the problems,
the joys, the questions of life
to the unseen deity. Not merely doing
what we perceive as holy;
but turning our lives over
to the unknown, the invisible
July 22, 2007 16:09
Luke 11:1-13
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 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
so the telling goes, of one bit of truth
for some of the people, most of the time
at the very least.
Others share a different take, a different means
of telling the story, of life’s challenges, of faith
Believing is seeing,
to step out in faith, to do the work of a person of faith
is to believe in the unseen.
A further step on that road
could be summed up,
Praying is believing,
because it is a turning inward,
a turning over of the problems,
the joys, the questions of life
to the unseen deity. Not merely doing
what we perceive as holy;
but turning our lives over
to the unknown, the invisible
July 22, 2007 16:09
Luke 11:1-13
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 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Hope Came
Hope came, in the birth of the Son
to bring hope to the people, waiting for so long
for the stem, the root, to bring forth hope
the lost redeemed through the long night
ending, by the new covenant, the fulfillment
of the ancient prophesy, the new covenant
made real in the person, the flesh, the birthing
of the savior; to finish the lament, the
dark judgment of Amos, the wheel of Ezekiel,
the doubt of Eli, the offering of Samuel,
the hopeful vision of Jeremiah
All bound up in the one man. Jesus!
July 22, 2007 15:49
Amos 8:4-12
Jeremiah 31:31
Ezekiel 10
1 Samuel
United Methodist Hymnal, #643, “When Love is Found”
Inspired by the sermon, “Until Hope Comes”,
by the Reverend Peter A. Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
July 22, 2007
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 19,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
to bring hope to the people, waiting for so long
for the stem, the root, to bring forth hope
the lost redeemed through the long night
ending, by the new covenant, the fulfillment
of the ancient prophesy, the new covenant
made real in the person, the flesh, the birthing
of the savior; to finish the lament, the
dark judgment of Amos, the wheel of Ezekiel,
the doubt of Eli, the offering of Samuel,
the hopeful vision of Jeremiah
All bound up in the one man. Jesus!
July 22, 2007 15:49
Amos 8:4-12
Jeremiah 31:31
Ezekiel 10
1 Samuel
United Methodist Hymnal, #643, “When Love is Found”
Inspired by the sermon, “Until Hope Comes”,
by the Reverend Peter A. Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
July 22, 2007
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 19,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Running
She was running this morning
early Sunday morning
while we drove by on the way to church
black top, black shorts,
once white running shoes
toned features,
purposeful face,
black bands on her biceps
hair bouncing in the breeze
It seemed she was arguing
with herself, the way her head
jerked from side to side,
her face grimaced
with the footfalls down the hill,
off the bridge, like she was debating
and losing the point
propelled on, downward
by gravity, by the flow of the sidewalk,
as she was running this morning
Whatever joy led her to the work,
catching the beauty of the morning,
freedom from other cares,
they were lost, in the puffing,
the contorting, the hurtling
down the hill by the river
Running was the only thing,
the only thing left.
July 22, 2007 15:42
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 19,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
early Sunday morning
while we drove by on the way to church
black top, black shorts,
once white running shoes
toned features,
purposeful face,
black bands on her biceps
hair bouncing in the breeze
It seemed she was arguing
with herself, the way her head
jerked from side to side,
her face grimaced
with the footfalls down the hill,
off the bridge, like she was debating
and losing the point
propelled on, downward
by gravity, by the flow of the sidewalk,
as she was running this morning
Whatever joy led her to the work,
catching the beauty of the morning,
freedom from other cares,
they were lost, in the puffing,
the contorting, the hurtling
down the hill by the river
Running was the only thing,
the only thing left.
July 22, 2007 15:42
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 19,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Two Hymnals
It has become our practice, of late
to pull two hymnals from the rack
A function of a child between us
two sets of bifocals, lines in the way
looking around, there are others
with the same fate,
no longer always sharing
the one hymnal,
between the husband and wife
In between though,
we still hold hands
July 22, 2007 15:34
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 19,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
to pull two hymnals from the rack
A function of a child between us
two sets of bifocals, lines in the way
looking around, there are others
with the same fate,
no longer always sharing
the one hymnal,
between the husband and wife
In between though,
we still hold hands
July 22, 2007 15:34
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 19,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Harold
If it wasn’t for the dent
he would be making in their budget
his antics would be all the more fun
whimsical, worthy of story and song.
A cagey, crafty, oh so inventive,
very human, small, red squirrel
was eating ALL of their bird food
in the front window feeder,
as fast as they filled it. No, really,
she filled it in the morning, he in the afternoon
he the next morning. By noon, gone again
as we returned from lunch out
he finished his dining. Droppings shared
enjoyed by the pair of chipmunks,
living under the front porch.
No competition with the
gray squirrels out in the backyard
Harold was king of the front feeder,
hanging upside down, claws dug
into the front screen, a real acrobat
(with a very soft looking belly of white fuzz).
He was the reason for the dearth of food
for other customers; but I suppose he wasn’t
concerned for others, at that moment.
He was enthralled, enraptured by the fact
THEY KEPT REFILLING THE FEEDER!
No need to be shy, when the humans
are so fabulously cooperative.
Let the others find another feeder!
July 22, 2007 15:28
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 19,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
he would be making in their budget
his antics would be all the more fun
whimsical, worthy of story and song.
A cagey, crafty, oh so inventive,
very human, small, red squirrel
was eating ALL of their bird food
in the front window feeder,
as fast as they filled it. No, really,
she filled it in the morning, he in the afternoon
he the next morning. By noon, gone again
as we returned from lunch out
he finished his dining. Droppings shared
enjoyed by the pair of chipmunks,
living under the front porch.
No competition with the
gray squirrels out in the backyard
Harold was king of the front feeder,
hanging upside down, claws dug
into the front screen, a real acrobat
(with a very soft looking belly of white fuzz).
He was the reason for the dearth of food
for other customers; but I suppose he wasn’t
concerned for others, at that moment.
He was enthralled, enraptured by the fact
THEY KEPT REFILLING THE FEEDER!
No need to be shy, when the humans
are so fabulously cooperative.
Let the others find another feeder!
July 22, 2007 15:28
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 19,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Two Plates
Her hands extended,
strain of the weight at the end of each
offering plates
full of our meager gifts
hands held outstretched
Mirroring the wooden cross
mounted to the back wall of the chancel
Echoes of the unspoiled hands,
in offering
nails piercing
those outstretched hands
a priceless gift
never to be repaid
Imagery captured in the July sun
this morning, as she lead us
in the Lord’s Prayer
July 22, 2007 15:13
The Reverend Lori Eldredge
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH July 22, 2007
strain of the weight at the end of each
offering plates
full of our meager gifts
hands held outstretched
Mirroring the wooden cross
mounted to the back wall of the chancel
Echoes of the unspoiled hands,
in offering
nails piercing
those outstretched hands
a priceless gift
never to be repaid
Imagery captured in the July sun
this morning, as she lead us
in the Lord’s Prayer
July 22, 2007 15:13
The Reverend Lori Eldredge
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH July 22, 2007
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 30,090+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
The Essential Thing
Busy, busy lives,
moving from task to task
lists and messages, and calls,
a barrage of things, things to capture
our attention, our energy, our moments
But the essential thing, the better way
often lost in the noise, the commotion,
the doing of the daily grind, pulled
in so many directions, little things
Spending time to stop, to lose ourselves,
to listen to the Master’s words, to hear
the still small voice, the lessons written
now that he is gone, raised up
to pause from the day to day
and focus on the essential thing
July 22, 2007 8:31
Luke 10:38-42
Mary and Martha
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 19,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
moving from task to task
lists and messages, and calls,
a barrage of things, things to capture
our attention, our energy, our moments
But the essential thing, the better way
often lost in the noise, the commotion,
the doing of the daily grind, pulled
in so many directions, little things
Spending time to stop, to lose ourselves,
to listen to the Master’s words, to hear
the still small voice, the lessons written
now that he is gone, raised up
to pause from the day to day
and focus on the essential thing
July 22, 2007 8:31
Luke 10:38-42
Mary and Martha
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 19,780+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.