Saturday, September 22, 2012

It isn’t me on the cross


It isn’t me on the cross
Christ died for me
choosing to drink the cup
his love to set me free
Christ became the lamb
the priest, the sacrifice
his arms opened wide
his life for you and me



September 22, 2012

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 20,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

On the journey


With Cleopas
the unnamed disciple
struggling to get home
there on the road
wandering in our despair
alone and lost
on the journey there
when Christ came by my side
holding me when I stumble
leading me ever home



September 22, 2012
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35

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 20,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

because he walks beside me on the road


Christ comes beside me
even when I don’t notice
if I am aware
I can see his presence
Christ comes beside me
walks with me on the road
leading to heaven
guiding me home



September 22, 2012

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 20,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

not to be exalted


he denied himself
his rightful position
not claiming power
to submit to their court
Christ did not exalt himself
he did not agree to their petitions
to put him on the throne
to overthrow Caesar



September 22, 2012

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 20,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

to drink the vomit of our sin


Christ is my Savior
I cannot repay
the cost he paid for me
on that dark day;
but more than this
his choice the night before
to drink the vomit of our sin
the cup of our shame



September 22, 2012

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 22,310+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

without him my life has no meaning


Christ makes all of this
all of this make sense
without him my like
has no meaning, no purpose
with him I have life
I am commissioned, a message
sent to the world



September 22, 2012

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 20,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

non-violent protest


Christ speaking with power
cutting through the hypocrisy
more speech in the marketplace
in the gate, in the street
non-violent protest
the lie of the law
as they have been living
not loving at all



September 22, 2012

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 20,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

it is our job to proclaim


it is our job to proclaim
the Good News , the message
of Jesus Christ, our Savior
the living God descended
walking here with us

It is not the rocks’ job
though they would praise
if we won’t
someone must proclaim
Jesus is our King



September 22, 2012

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 20,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.


It is not the rocks’ job


I proclaim Jesus
his truth, his power
filled by the Spirit
informed by his love

I proclaim Jesus
seeking to be faithful
I speak so the rocks are silent
it is not the rocks’ job

We are given
so much, abundance
we should be shouting
from the rooftops

It is not rocks’ job
to proclaim Jesus
ours is the calling
ours the delight



September 22, 2012

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 20,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a values candidate


Christ is the Messiah
the sacrifice, the king
consistent, on message
he was not dissuaded
Christ was a messenger
sharing God’s love
consistent, unchanging
no flip-flop in him



September 22, 2012

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 20,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not beholden to money


Christ was free
he walked the earth simply
he had not place to rest his head
he did not have much money
Christ was free
he was not beholden to money
no one on earth
crafted the words he spoke
he spoke truth to power



September 22, 2012

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 20,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ never took a poll


Christ walked this earth
he was fully human
but he never took a poll
he never consulted others
Christ spoke the truth
to the weak and the powerful
sharing one true message
while he walked this earth


September 22, 2012




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 21,630+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

He understands people like me


Christ came to save
all of God’s children
he walked this same earth
he understands people
people just like me
as evidenced by their failings
his stories of love
of healing in the pages



September 22, 2012

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 20,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The same today


Christ is the same today
as two thousand years ago
the Messiah, our Savior
motivated by love

Christ is the same today
as two thousand years ago
teaching us how to love
because he loves us so


September 22, 2012

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 20,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

to drop our stones


none of us worthy
none of us righteous
all cloaked in sin
a sentence of death

Christ holds a mirror
a challenge to the people
to drop our stones
before our neighbor

none of us worthy
none of us righteous
unable to judge
to sentence another

Christ alone righteous
and he paid our price
taking our punishment
to save us from death



September 22, 2012
John 8:1-11

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

because he is against capital punishment


surely the message, the import of what he did
calling out the righteous
for the sins that they commit
calling them to think
to look deep within
only to cast the stone
to him without sin



September 22, 2012
John 8:1-11

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

an atoning sacrifice


an offering of God
of our Savior
for he chose the cross
to heal the nations

he could have the crown
a throne in heaven
but he submitted, he died,
to give us resurrection




September 22, 2012

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 20,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

because he was not a warrior-king


I love Jesus, for who he was
who he is to my
my shepherd, my savior
not a warrior-king
no he wouldn’t conquer
not with the sword, the arrows
but with his love



September 22, 2012

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 20,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

focused on God


his priority straight
our model, our brother
the Savior, Messiah
over all nations
Christ focused
on God, his purpose
healing us fully
up from the dust


September 22, 2012

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 20,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.


motivated by love

Christ alone,
not the right or the left
motivated by love
his priority right
submitting to God
wanting the best for us
in spite of ourselves




September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

stuffed in the closet


gathered in silence
that which isn’t spoken
hurt, division
hidden from view
stuffed in the closet
getting overfull
some falling out
coming into view



====
September 22, 2012


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 20,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a limb or just stuffing


a rip in the seam
a tear in the body
a schism, a gash
something falling
a limb or just stuffing
something dying
nothing we talk about
that would be hard



====
September 22, 2012
Worship Theme: The Responsibility of Privilege
Mark 8:27-38 (The Message Bible)
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9 (Common English Bible)
James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-18 (The Message Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23)
Message for children
by Muffie Sheehan
about CROP Walk (9/29/2012 in Concord, NH)
and sermon – “What a privilege!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
September 16, 2012
Sixteenth Sunday of Kingdomtide


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 20,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a gadfly silent


bridled, broken
a bit in his mouth
a gadfly silent
unable to talk
the body dying
fractured, broken
the nose angry
not speaking to the neck



====
September 22, 2012
Worship Theme: The Responsibility of Privilege
Mark 8:27-38 (The Message Bible)
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9 (Common English Bible)
James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-18 (The Message Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23)
Message for children
by Muffie Sheehan
about CROP Walk (9/29/2012 in Concord, NH)
and sermon – “What a privilege!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
September 16, 2012
Sixteenth Sunday of Kingdomtide


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 20,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Spaces empty


spaces empty
new faces where they saw
not seeming to notice
to ask where they went
a body dying
too many dividing lines
wondering who
can save us now



====
September 22, 2012
Worship Theme: The Responsibility of Privilege
Mark 8:27-38 (The Message Bible)
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9 (Common English Bible)
James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-18 (The Message Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23)
Message for children
by Muffie Sheehan
about CROP Walk (9/29/2012 in Concord, NH)
and sermon – “What a privilege!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
September 16, 2012
Sixteenth Sunday of Kingdomtide


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 20,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Tear in the Seam


A tear in the seam
the fabric, the body
stuffing falling out
others gone, forgotten
A schism, a divide
holding onto power
change avoided at all cost
so the body survives
just as it is



====
September 22, 2012
Worship Theme: The Responsibility of Privilege
Mark 8:27-38 (The Message Bible)
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9 (Common English Bible)
James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-18 (The Message Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23)
Message for children
by Muffie Sheehan
about CROP Walk (9/29/2012 in Concord, NH)
and sermon – “What a privilege!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
September 16, 2012
Sixteenth Sunday of Kingdomtide



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 22,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Happy for the Newbies – v2


We should be grateful
praises to our Creator
who loves us so much
like the older brother
and the one who was lost

Who calls us to the field
to work in the vineyard
who keeps going to the corner
calling to other laborers

Happy for the newbies
ones who just answered
joining the family
in following the Christ

Our task to be faithful
trusting in God
our service to proclaim Christ
that all would know the Lord

The newest a treasure
like us a harvest
called by our Father
but given free will

Our witness, our service
part of God’s plan
sowing seeds of his love
that the crop would be larger
a harvest for our God



Edited September 22, 2012
after reading Holly Boardman tweet
https://twitter.com/halehawk/status/249572861130440704
& original poem
“Happy for the Newbies”
July 3, 2010
Matthew 20:1-16
Matthew 20:15
&
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2010
for July 2, 2010, read July 3, 2010
“A Generous God”,
by Joanna Ronalds


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 20,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the mess of our making


Christ came to save
to redeem the world
to change the path
the course of the nations

the mess of our making
rebelling from God’s word
sent to save us
a light in this world



September 22, 2012
John 13:33-35

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 20,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

fixing Washington


Christ came to save
to change our hearts
fixing Washington
every place on the globe

How we are to live
how we should relate
love as Christ loved
the whole human race.



September 22, 2012
John 13:33-35



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 21,630+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the ultimate change agent


Jesus Christ,
the outsider, our Savior
not of this earth
descended from heaven
He came to save
to turn us around
the ultimate change agent
sent directly from God


September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Only Purple


not red states or blue states
no boundaries at all
Christ loves us equally
the weak and the strong
only purple
the color of our King
he came to save us
we are the workers
let the campaign begin



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ not Satan


Politics unimportant
what is really at stake
the choice of our future
the lever that we pull

Christ or Satan
as stark as this
the choice we are given
which will we choose.


September 22, 2012

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 20,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

because he was with God and in God


How can we not follow
how do we turn from Christ
because he was with God
and in God
in the creation
at the birth of all that is
our Savior, redeemer
our brother, our king



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

because God built that

the arrogance of the clay
forgetting their place
the dust of the earth
returning one day

because God built that
all of creation
we should be more humble
all people, every nation

God is the center
the guide star of life
Christ came to redeem us
to carry forth the light

We are the witnesses
his sheep yet on earth
life in him only
the source of new birth



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

He speaks truth and love


Not taking a poll
holding a focus group
Christ spoke directly
he speaks truth

His love for us manifest
in all that he said
his choice to die
raising us from the dead



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

he has the whole world in his hands


We fall before him
broken, needing healing
he tells us to rise
to serve his children

He has the whole world
all of humanity in his hands
yet he cares for each one
all the people in many lands.



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

He is the shining city on the hill


Not America, not Israel
no nation state;
he is the shining city
the light on the hill.

Only in Jesus,
in our risen Savior
the hope of mankind
the light to the nations.



==============
edited January 11, 2017
He is the shining city on the hill – v2
September 22, 2012
He is the shining city on the hill

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, and 2017. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 42,820 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, creator, Faith, God, gospel, love, grace, Methodist, witness, purpose, Holy Spirit, Savior, Poetry Where You Live, neighbor, Father, Son, Raymond A. Foss, Messiah, Emmanuel, priority, calling,

He is the #shining #city on the hill #Faith #Love #Christ #God #grace #witness #purpose #Spirit #Savior #Father #Son

because he called Peter Satan


Our Lord, a challenge,
our hope, our salvation
we have trust in God
in the living Savior
because he called Peter Satan
rebuking his doubt
we have greater insight
to the depths of his love



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Jesus must be in the first place of our hearts


If we are to follow, if we are his disciples
if we believe in God, if we claim to follow
Jesus must be in the first place
of our hearts, in our lives
all we are informed
by the cross of our Lord.



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

because he doesn't lie


In Jesus we trust
our God, here with us
what he told us the same
now as it was then

His promise can we cleave to
in fact we must
only through him
do we rise from the dust



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We know who he is


We know who he is,
where he came from,
and what he stands for.
He never took a poll.

Christ came from heaven,
the Messiah, our Savior
the same from the beginning of time
until the end of the age.



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Because He is Good all the time.


not the lesser of two evils
fragile humans
seeking to lead our nation
to serve, to preside
beholden to others

Only Jesus, our brother, our Savior
he is the font of life
the gateway to heaven

He is good, all the time
all the time, forever
the Messiah, Emmanuel,
God here with us

We are called to follow
to love as he loves us
open to our neighbors
guided by this call
to love one another
giving God our all



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

because he loves all the sheep


He is our one truly shepherd
our beacon, our all
Christ calls to us
come, back into the fold
because he loves all the sheep
every creed, every stripe
all the people of the world
all sheep of his flock



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

because he calls all to his table


We follow our Savior
we know our shepherd
we hear him calling
in the dark night
because he calls all
to his table, to this blessing
we all eat of eternal love
we all drink of limitless grace



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

because of his teachings


our lives have meaning
each of us called
we all can serve him
in response to his grace

because of his teachings
Christ here with us
each of us is to live
in communion with God
with our families, our neighbors

none of this about political parties,
government programs or companies,
or even our nation

living in relationship
with our Creator
turning from the world
for his holy purpose



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Because he is love


Because he is love
my Savior, my brother
my hope for a future
a life after this

Jesus is my candidate
my focus, my center
why I share his name
why I serve the Lord



September 22, 2012

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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Friday, September 21, 2012

washed clean by his red blood


washed clean by his red blood
his sacrifice, his dying
his resurrection on Easter
ascending to his throne

giving new life within us
the Spirit of Christ

baptized in the blue water
dying to self
rising, a blessing
his witness to the world



September 21, 2012

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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

baptized in the blue water


baptized in the blue water
washed clean by his red blood
giving new life within us
the Spirit of Christ
baptized as he was
dying to self
rising, a blessing
sent into the world



September 21, 2012

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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

as he loved us on the cross


we are to love our enemies,
as he loved us on the cross
forgiving us our sickness
our penchant for sin
we are to love our enemies,
as he loved us on the cross
thinking about their future
our place in eternity



September 21, 2012

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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the Great Commission for the world



the call to make disciples
of all the nations, all people
the mission of our lives
to build up the kingdom
not even bound to one nation state
not to one nation
Christ is the shining city
the beacon on the hill



September 21, 2012

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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

he challenges the self-righteous


he challenges the self-righteous
Mary at his feet
the leaders prepared to stone her
the rocks in their hands
Jesus rebukes them, hypocrites
as evil as she, guilt
to judge not their neighbor
and to drop their hateful stones.



September 21, 2012

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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

not anything I can do


not by anything I can do
just the blood of Jesus
raised from the pit, from hell
placed in a mansion
only by my Savior
by the blood of Jesus
washed clean of my sin
a new life in heaven


September 21, 2012

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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

he teaches me how to live


Christ is my teacher
if I will but listen
lessons for my life
to walk as his disciple

he teaches me how to live
how to walk on water
faithful in my journey
answering my master’s call



September 21, 2012

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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Jesus saved me from death


People wonder why I shout
why I proclaim the Christ
it is really quite simple
Jesus gave me life

Jesus saved me from death
the cost of my sin
coming down from heaven
that I may truly live



September 21, 2012

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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

How Would Jesus Love (2)


How Would Jesus Love
if he was here on earth
would be a capitalist
would he redistribute wealth

How would Jesus love
is the right question
the focus of our hearts
He is the Messiah
the Savior here on earth

God’s love manifest
a witness to God’s grace
offering us his life for ours
to give us a chance to live



September 21, 2012

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 20,990+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Jesus is my candidate – v5


No matter who I will vote for
for President, on the ballot
I know freedom isn’t free
someone paid the price
Jesus died for me

Jesus is my candidate
the Savior of the world
more than all the kings
the hope of all nations
God’s living Word

He didn’t have to come
he chose to walk the earth
living as man, dying as thief
only through the gate of Christ
do we have new birth

Yes, Jesus is my candidate
the one who set me free
who came because of love
giving up his crown
to die for you and me



Edited September 21, 2012
“Jesus is my Candidate – v5”
September 19, 2012

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 21,600+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Red Sox Win - v2


Red Sox win
Yankees lose
A story so big
It led the news

Bumped politics
Down the page
It may even reduce
New England road rage

A-Rod and Jeter
What can be sweeter
Oh look, what we found,
We caught a cheater

Taking two from them
In their park
Big Papi
Was our spark

Down and out
A three-oh slide
Not the end for this
Team with Pride

Red Sox Nation
Delirious
This whole World Series
Will be just as serious.

Reverse the Curse
All these ages
So this club’s history
Will fill more pages


Edited September 21, 2012
“Red Sox Win – v2”
Thursday, October 21, 2004 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 20,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Cypher – v2


A cipher, nullity, a phantom
stood before them, as if not there
unknown and unacknowledged
time lost never to be regained
lives turned, away, no longer there
Left adrift, unfulfilled
unmerited and unheralded
without reference or rudder
crashing on the hidden shoals
unseen rocks, day by day, now years
below the waves, the sands of time
an unrecognized face, a forgotten voice
only an echo of a specter remains



Edited September 21, 2012
“Cypher – v2”

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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Leon – v2


A mournful sight, in the streets,
often in the night
I still wonder about his story
what he had done
what brought him to this state

He walked the streets
of the old mill town
long past the heyday of his life
heavy soles on his shoes,
thick shanks, for uneven legs
heavy frock coat hangs like a weight
slumped gait, hunched shoulders

Jet black toupee, like an all-black skunk
pomade as his hair had been
before it had grayed
perched over salt and pepper brows
sunken eyes, smell of the bourbon,
the ripple, the smudge of the cigars
snubbed out in his fingers,

Hands that built, that made things
long fallow then, long ago yet
a forgotten moment of time

A ghost, walking among the vacant buildings
the blocks of the ancient metropolis
dormant itself too, hoping for rebirth

He was shuffling in the sun,
furtively, back into shadows
comfortable at night mostly,
wandering his hometown



Edited September 21, 2012
May 28, 2007 23:58

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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sausage – v2


Forget the frank, the hot dog
Give me the Fenway sausage.
Lansdowne or Yawkey,
Just give me the street, the crowds, the carts.
Sausage you shrug, you the reader
Of this trifle, this whimsy
What do I mean, me the storyteller
Read on, won’t you please.

Peppers and onions
Tease the tongue
Bun and hot mustard
Set the stage
The scorched and blackened piece of meat
Reminds me of every one
Eaten before

So much memory
Of family and fun
Of ballgames, tailgates, and the carnie
A cacophony of moments
Drip with grease
Do you smell it too
on the smoky hot grill?

My lips curl with a smirk
Writing these lines
As I laugh to myself
Of the pleasures of excess
The lusty gluttony
Of eating. . . another one.



==============
edited December 28, 2015
Sausage – v3
(editing version 2)
Edited  September 21, 2012
“Sausage – v2”
posted February 14, 2004
written May 27, 2001 8:54am
Sausage


All of my poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,460+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A daughter’s prayer – v2


A daughter’s prayer,
for a best friend,
a hurting soul, torn apart
staggered by the punches
the body blows, gut shots

wanting to join the fight
to step between the blasts
and her weary body
unable to intervene, to step between
at those moments, in the breach

waiting instead, for time,
for reflection, for discernment
in quiet moments
with her, silent
with the creator

listening for the still, small voice
for the answers to these prayers
for one who means so much
loved without thought
cared for to the last,
but hurting still




Edited September 21, 2012
“A daughter’s prayer – v2”
February 3, 2007 22:12
“A daughter’s prayer”
July 30, 2006

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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God-directed moments


God-directed moments
time deep in prayer
easier now
in the failing of the light
Shorter days
time spent with You
listening more deeply
for your word for my life



===
September 21, 2012
James 3:3-4
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
September 3, 2012 to September 9, 2012
“Teachings and Teachers”
by Cynthia Hizer
for September 14, 2012,
read September 16, 2012
&
James 3:1-2
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
September 3, 2012 to September 9, 2012
“Teachings and Teachers”
by Cynthia Hizer
for September 13, 2012,
read September 13, 2012
&
Psalm 19
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
September 3, 2012 to September 9, 2012
“Teachings and Teachers”
by Cynthia Hizer
for September 12, 2012,
read September 12, 2012
&
Proverbs 1:20-33 (The Message)
Lady Wisdom
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
September 3, 2012 to September 9, 2012
“Teachings and Teachers”
by Cynthia Hizer
for September 11, 2012,
read September 12, 2012
&
Proverbs 1:20-33 (NIV)
Warning Against Rejecting Wisdom
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
September 3, 2012 to September 9, 2012
“Teachings and Teachers”
by Cynthia Hizer
for September 10, 2012,
read September 12, 2012


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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

They are gifts of mercy


the unfathomable mystery
teaching moments, in silence
the lengthening nights
in this autumn season

They are gifts of mercy
God reaching toward us
in our prayer-time together
time with our God



===
September 21, 2012
James 3:3-4
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
September 3, 2012 to September 9, 2012
“Teachings and Teachers”
by Cynthia Hizer
for September 14, 2012,
read September 16, 2012
&
James 3:1-2
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
September 3, 2012 to September 9, 2012
“Teachings and Teachers”
by Cynthia Hizer
for September 13, 2012,
read September 13, 2012
&
Psalm 19
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
September 3, 2012 to September 9, 2012
“Teachings and Teachers”
by Cynthia Hizer
for September 12, 2012,
read September 12, 2012
&
Proverbs 1:20-33 (The Message)
Lady Wisdom
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
September 3, 2012 to September 9, 2012
“Teachings and Teachers”
by Cynthia Hizer
for September 11, 2012,
read September 12, 2012
&
Proverbs 1:20-33 (NIV)
Warning Against Rejecting Wisdom
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
September 3, 2012 to September 9, 2012
“Teachings and Teachers”
by Cynthia Hizer
for September 10, 2012,
read September 12, 2012


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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Rest your Spirit upon us


Rest your Spirit upon us
ignite us with your love.
Send the fires of heaven
the tongues of your grace
open us to your call
show us your face.


September 20, 2012

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 20,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Ten Feet Overhead – v6


Up ahead
To my right
Around the point
In the rushes
Burst of squawks and
Beating of heavy wings
Filled the air

The head and then the long endless body
Rose right over
The spine of my canoe
The great blue heron
Blocking my vision

No more than ten feet above
My transfixed eyes.
It flew toward me
Thwump, thwump
I heard the wings breaking
The early morning stillness around me

The bird
Cupped its wings
And hovered for a moment,
Or a lifetime

Each feather was visible -
Rust, cream, slate,
And light blue eye shadow.

I watched, in silence,
The bird fly off, audibly
Across the lake

=============
edited August 21, 2015
Ten Feet Overhead – v9
(editing version 6)
edited December 9, 2014
Ten Feet Overhead – v8
(editing version 6)
edited April 3, 2014
Ten Feet (not Twenty) Overhead – v7
(editing version posted 5/3/2004)
Edited September 20, 2012
“Ten Feet Overhead – v6”
editing the 4th version (the one with Marie Harris input)
&
Edited September 20, 2012
“Ten Feet Overhead – v5”
(editing the 3rd version)
inspired by reading it at Poets’ Corner
monthly poetry reading,
at the Suncook Senior Center
September 10, 2012
&
Saved as separate file and reposted
September 20, 2012
published version – 2/7/2004
“Ten Feet Overhead – v4”
Written June 18, 2001, edits June 21 and June 22, 2001, based on input from NH Poet Laureate, Marie Harris.
&
The evolution of the poem - Ten Feet Overhead”
The three drafts below represent the evolution of a poem, "Ten Feet Overhead", based on a morning on Swains Lake in Barrington, NH in 2001, reading down from 1st draft to a second version, finally to the published version, posted here on 2/7/04. 
&
“Ten Feet Overhead – v3”
June 21, 2001
“Ten Feet Overhead – v2”
June 22, 2001
“Ten Feet Overhead – v1”
June 18, 2001

 All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 39,250+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Living Water, the Stain of His Blood – v5


Our altar this morning draped,
fabric transformed, for his purpose
brightened by living water,
raining down from heaven
pouring, falling, pulling our eyes to this, washed
by the royal stain of His blood, crimson
vivid shimmering color, textured, flowing
in velvet, in taffeta,
beside the open bible, our beliefs
below the brass cross, lighted candles
a foretaste, a mere hint of the grandeur,
the hem, the robe of the Creator,
filling Your temple with grace, with love
filling us with power, with grace
sent from above



edited March 23, 2015
Living Water, the Stain of His Blood – v8
(editing version 4)
Revised August 13, 2013
Living Water, the Stain of His Blood – v7
(editing version 2)
Edited October 11, 2012
“Living Water, the Stain of His Blood – v6”
(editing version 2)
Edited September 20, 2012
“Living Water, the Stain of His Blood – v5”
(editing version 3)
Edited September 20, 2012
“Living Water, the Stain of His Blood – v4”
(editing version 2)
&
edited June 6, 2012
Isaiah 6:1-8
“Living Water, the Stain of His Blood – v3”
(editing version 1 again)
&
revised September 30, 2011
“Living Water, the Stain of His Blood – v2”
&
October 19, 2008
“Living Water, the Stain of His Blood”
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 36,680+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Beach Sand – v4


Maybe it is our memories
the change of pace that brings us there
our sense of vacation, of inner peace
maybe the smell of the place
the water, the roses, the lotions, the oils
visions of the gulls, the dunes, grasses;
moving in the air, the invisible breezes,
but oh it is the feel of it,
the crunch and slide of it;
under now smooth feet,
the feeling of beach sand

so very different from dirt, soil, loam
no, not earthy, moist, rich, wet mulch;
but oh so granular and gritty, slippery
even when wet, moving
moveable paper spreading under toes
sliding beneath the soles
smoothing my skin, relaxing
clearing my mind, peace
unburdening me of the rest
drawing me to the tactile,
to the feel of beach sand


edited July 30, 2015
Beach Sand – v6
(editing version 5)
edited April 2, 2014
Beach Sand – v5
Edited September 20, 2012
“Beach Sand – v4”
edited March 5, 2012
“Beach Sand – v3”
edited September 29, 2010
“Beach Sand – v2”
&
email May 115, 2008
“I am in eighth grade and I am doing a school
research project called a zine.  In this zine,
it is basically about describing your passion. 
One of the requirements for the zine is putting
a poem in, and explaining your reaction to the poem. 
My passion is Cape Cod, and I chose the poem you wrote, 
Beach Sand,  I love how you described sand in this poem. 
I just had a few questions like,
why did you choose to write this poem?
My response May 16, 2008::
“Funny you should ask. Someone from North Carolina
two days ago asked if they could put this same poem
on a new web site. As I told them, I had written in in 2006,
on the same day as quite a few other poems. I was writing
then specifically about treasured memories of my childhood
and more recent too. I wrote this poem about my joy at the beach.
I am from Westfield, MA growing up and my family would go to
the Cape or up the Maine coast to like Wells Beach or York
many summers when I was a kid. My grandparents on my dad's
side had gone to Old Orchard Beach for summers when my dad
was a kid and they were there on Cape Cod when I was a kid.
In 1988 I went to Hilton Head Island for a week. And in the
mid-1990's I went for like 3 or 4 summers in a row to
Martha's Vineyard. From 1978 to 2001, I lived near
the University of New Hampshire near the seacoast of
New Hampshire. I spent time at Rye Beach, Hampton,
and Great Island Common in New Castle. I just really like
walking the beach, more than just laying sunbathing.
I would walk along the shore looking for beach glass
or go over to the rocks and look for what I could find
in the tide pools. I've included three other poems about
being near the sea, Shoals, Tide Pools, and Tides - Haiku.”
&
July 15, 2006 19:03
“Beach Sand”

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, and 2019. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 52,110+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

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