Stand with Georgia – v3

Stand with Georgia, now,
with her people marching,
out in the streets, in their cities,
defiant, standing for freedom today…
 
Stand with Georgia, now,
for free and fair elections,
that their European Dream,
will rise once more, right now…
 
Stand with Georgia, now,
with her people marching,
free of terror, outside influence,
of the aggressor, of Russia, today…
 
Stand with Georgia, now,
for free and fair elections,
that the true will of the people,
will guide their steps, right now…

 
----------------
Edited December 21, 2024
Stand with Georgia – v3

 
@SecGenNATO @secblinken @SecYellen @USAmbUN @NATO @UN @antonioguterres @VP @KamalaHarris #EU @Zourabichvili_S @POTUS @JoeBiden @ZelenskyyUa @sandumaiamd @ElenaLasconi @Europarl_EN
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, freedom, prayer, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Syria, Chechnya, Serbia, Russia, Georgian Dream, European Union, NATO,
 
#poetry #freedom #prayer #Georgia #Ukraine #Moldova #Romania #Syria #Chechnya #Serbia #StandWithGeorgianPeople #Russia #GeorgianDream #terrorinGeorgia #StandwithGeorgia #GeorgianProtests #EU #EuropeanUnion #NATO

returning to the well – v3

when we are dry, thirsty,
in our bodies, in our spirits,
let us return to the well,
may our lives be refilled…
 
returning to the well,
dipping my cup, again,
drinking of the living water,
in love, in community…
 
let us draw near to God
and to one another,
let us drink of the cup,
of life, the living waters…
 
returning to the well,
of praise, of worship,
praying in community,
with love for one another…
 
let us draw near to God,
to our brothers, our sisters,
may we drink till we are filled,
quenching the thirst in our spirits…
 
--------
Edited December 21, 2024
returning to the well – v3
 
Men’s group conversation
Based on #Hebrews10:22-25
Edited December 21, 2024
Let us draw near to God
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/let-us-draw-near-to-god.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, God, prayer, Christ, Spirit, Hebrews 10, faith, trust, community, body, church, scripture, bible,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #prayer #Hebrews10 #faith #community #body #church #scripture #bible

returning to the well – v2

when we are dry, thirsty,
in our bodies, in our spirits,
let us return to the well,
may our lives be refilled…
 
returning to the well,
dipping my cup, again,
drinking of the living water,
in love, in community…
 
let us draw near to God
and to one another,
let us drink of the cup,
of life, the living waters…
 
returning to the well,
of praise, of worship,
praying in community,
with love for one another…
 
--------
Edited December 21, 2024
returning to the well – v2
 
Men’s group conversation
Based on #Hebrews10:22-25
December 21, 2024
returning to the well
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/returning-to-well.html
Edited December 21, 2024
Let us draw near to God
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/let-us-draw-near-to-god.html
December 21, 2024
Let us draw near
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/let-us-draw-near.html
&
Edited November 5, 2024
God calls us, each of us – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/god-calls-us-each-of-us-v2.html
Edited November 4, 2024
God goes before us – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/god-goes-before-us-v2.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, God, prayer, Christ, Spirit, Hebrews 10, faith, trust, community, body, church, scripture, bible,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #prayer #Hebrews10 #faith #community #body #church #scripture #bible

returning to the well

returning to the well,
dipping my cup, again,
drinking of the living water,
in love, in community…
 
let us draw near to God
and to one another,
let us drink of the cup,
of life, the living waters…
 
returning to the well,
of praise, of worship,
praying in community,
with love for one another…
 
--------
December 21, 2024
returning to the well
 
Edited December 21, 2024
Let us draw near to God
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/let-us-draw-near-to-god.html
Men’s group conversation
Based on #Hebrews10:22-25
December 21, 2024
Let us draw near
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/let-us-draw-near.html
&
Edited November 5, 2024
God calls us, each of us – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/god-calls-us-each-of-us-v2.html
Edited November 4, 2024
God goes before us – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/god-goes-before-us-v2.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, God, prayer, Christ, Spirit, Hebrews 10, faith, trust, community, body, church,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #prayer #Hebrews10 #faith #community #body #church

Let us draw near to God

Oh God, you call us,
to live within the body,
let us draw near to God,
and to one another…
 
Let us draw near
to the throne of faith, of grace,
let us draw near, to sit,
at the feet of the risen Christ…
 
Oh God, You call us,
to walk in Your ways, Your light,
let us draw near, to drink,
of the cup of eternal life…
 
Let us draw near,
as risen people of faith, of hope,
let us draw near, to sit,
at the feet of the risen Christ…
 
--------
Edited December 21, 2024
Let us draw near to God
 
Men’s group conversation
Based on #Hebrews10:22-25
December 21, 2024
Let us draw near
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/let-us-draw-near.html
&
Edited November 5, 2024
God calls us, each of us – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/god-calls-us-each-of-us-v2.html
Edited November 4, 2024
God goes before us – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/god-goes-before-us-v2.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, God, prayer, Christ, Spirit, Hebrews 10, faith, trust, community, body, church,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #prayer #Hebrews10 #faith #community #body #church

Let us draw near to #God #prayer #Hebrews10

Let us draw near
to the throne of faith, of grace,
let us draw near, to sit,
at the feet of the risen Christ…
 
Oh God, You call us,
to walk in Your ways, Your light,
let us draw near, to drink,
of the cup of eternal life…
 
Let us draw near,
as risen people of faith, of hope,
let us draw near, to sit,
at the feet of the risen Christ…
 
--------
December 21, 2024
Let us draw near
 
Men’s group conversation
Based on #Hebrews10:22-25
&
Edited November 5, 2024
God calls us, each of us – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/god-calls-us-each-of-us-v2.html
Edited November 4, 2024
God goes before us – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/god-goes-before-us-v2.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, God, prayer, Christ, Spirit, Hebrews 10, faith, trust, community, body, church,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #prayer #Hebrews10 #faith #community #body #church

Don’t give Ukraine to the Madman – v4

A prayer repeating, recurring,
frozen in time, unresolved, waiting,
a nation in rubble, burning, forgotten,
don’t let evil win, be triumphant,
don’t give Ukraine to the Madman
it will not be the end of his dreams…
 
Our silence crying out, longing,
to retake the stage, the breath,
evil only understands threat/ resolve,
his card of nuclear Armageddon,
the West cowed once again
a rabid Bear on the march…
 
His dreams of conquest, an empire,
destruction of just one nation, Ukraine,
isn’t the end of his mission, his purpose,
his fevered quest much greater,
we must stop him now, here,
before he kills, and kills again…

 
-------
edited December 19, 2024
Don’t give Ukraine to the Madman – v4
 
edited March 8, 2022
Don’t give Ukraine to the Madman – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/03/dont-give-ukraine-to-madman-v2.html
&
edited March 6, 2022
The man in the bunker – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-man-in-bunker-v2.html
&
March 5, 2022
Don’t give Ukraine to the Madman
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/03/dont-give-ukraine-to-madman.html
&
March 5, 2022
The man in the bunker
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-man-in-bunker.html
February 28, 2022
https://twitter.com/dhakar_puneet/status/1498385709627224065
Ukraine Ambassador to United Nations
extracts of his speech to the General Assembly
#nuclearwar
‘This war was not provoked. It was chosen by someone right now
that is sitting in the bunker. We know what happened to the person
who sat in the bunker in Berlin, in May, 1945,’
said Ukraine’s U.N. envoy Sirgiy Kyslytsya .
&
March 4, 2022
One shot away
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/03/one-shot-away.html
March 3, 2022
Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBoRwbidiq4
handcuff of MAD, Cold War cannot have a shooting war with another nuclear power…
&
March 4, 2022
International law means nothing
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/03/international-law-means-nothing.html
March 4, 2022
A brutal heartless murderer
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/03/a-brutal-heartless-murderer.html
edited February 28, 2022
In the crucible of terror – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/in-crucible-of-terror-v5.html
edited February 27, 2022
A run on the banks – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/a-run-on-banks-v3.html
edited February 26, 2022
The insanity of these minutes – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-insanity-of-these-minutes-v2.html 
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
--------------
poetry, Ukraine, Russia, NATO, war, invasion, Putin, fear, terror, death, Kyiv, Crimea, Balkans, Baltic, Belarus,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #Russia #NATO #war #invasion #Putin #fear #terror #death #Kyiv #Crimea #Balkans #Baltic #Belarus #StandWithUkraine #RussiaIsATerroristState #1000Days 

Stand with #Georgia - v2 #GeorgiaProtests

Stand with Georgia, now,
with her people marching,
out in the streets, their cities,
defiant, standing for freedom now…
 
Stand with Georgia, now,
for free and fair elections,
the people’s European Dream,
will rise once more, again, right now…
 
Stand with Georgia, now,
with her people marching,
free of terror, outside influence,
of the aggressor, of Russia, today, now…
 
Stand with Georgia, now,
for free and fair elections,
that the true will of the people,
will guide their next steps, right now…

 
----------------
Edited December 18, 2024
Stand with Georgia – v2
 
 
@SecGenNATO @secblinken @SecYellen @USAmbUN @NATO @UN @antonioguterres @VP @KamalaHarris #EU @Zourabichvili_S @POTUS @JoeBiden @ZelenskyyUa @sandumaiamd @ElenaLasconi
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, freedom, prayer, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Syria, Chechnya, Serbia, Russia, Georgian Dream, European Union, NATO,
 
#poetry #freedom #prayer #Georgia #Ukraine #Moldova #Romania #Syria #Chechnya #Serbia #StandWithGeorgianPeople #Russia #GeorgianDream #terrorinGeorgia #StandwithGeorgia #GeorgianProtests #EU #EuropeanUnion #NATO

Breathe with me as I breathe now Lord – v2

Open Your arms wide, Lord,
let me sense Your presence, my God,
in my mundane, every moment,
not something special, every second,
to feel You with me always…
 
I still myself in my prayer now
that You would be with me now Lord,
that I would feel You beside me;
Breathe with me as I breathe now Lord…
let me dwell within You…
 
Open Your arms wide, Lord,
wrap me in Your embrace, oh Father,
draw me to You in each moment,
no matter what I am doing,
in every second of my life…  
 
I still myself in my prayer now
that You would be with me now Lord,
that I would feel You beside me;
Breathe with me as I breathe now Lord…
let me dwell within You…
 
---------------- 
Edited December 18, 2024
Breathe with me as I breathe now Lord – v2
 
Based on #Psalm128
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, grace, faith, power, prayer, Psalm 128, presence, believe,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #grace #faith #prayer #power #Psalm128 #presence #believe

Breathe with me as I breathe now Lord

I still myself in my prayer now
that You would be with me now Lord,
that I would feel You beside me;
Breathe with me as I breathe now Lord…
Let me dwell within You…
 
Open Your arms wide, Lord,
wrap me in Your embrace, oh Father,
draw me to You in each moment,
no matter what I am doing,
in every second of my life…  
 
I still myself in my prayer now
that You would be with me now Lord,
that I would feel You beside me;
Breathe with me as I breathe now Lord…
Let me dwell within You…
 
---------------- 
December 18, 2024
Breathe with me as I breathe now Lord
 
Based on #Psalm128
Pastor Peter Hubbard
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, grace, faith, power, prayer, Psalm 128, presence, believe,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #grace #faith #prayer #power #Psalm128 #presence #believe

Stand with #Georgia

Stand with Georgia,
With her people marching,
Out in the streets, their cities,
Standing for freedom now…
 
Stand with Georgia,
For free and fair elections,
That their European Dream,
Can rise once more, again…
 
Stand with Georgia,
With her people marching,
Free of terror, of influence,
Of the aggressor, of Russia…
 
Stand with Georgia,
For free and fair elections,
That the will of the people,
Will guide their next steps…

 
----------------
December 18, 2024
Stand with Georgia
 
 
@SecGenNATO @secblinken @SecYellen @USAmbUN @NATO @UN @antonioguterres @VP @KamalaHarris #EU @Zourabichvili_S @POTUS @JoeBiden @ZelenskyyUa @sandumaiamd @ElenaLasconi
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, freedom, prayer, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Syria, Chechnya, Serbia, Russia, Georgian Dream, European Union, NATO,
 
#poetry #freedom #prayer #Georgia #Ukraine #Moldova #Romania #Syria #Chechnya #Serbia #StandWithGeorgianPeople #Russia #GeorgianDream #terrorinGeorgia #StandwithGeorgia #GeorgianProtests #EU #EuropeanUnion #NATO

My part of the world is waking #sunrise

My part of the world is waking,
From sleep, from slumber,
Light is breaking in the east,
Where you, my love, are living…
 
The same sun warms us,
Rising in the heavens,
How I long to touch you,
To feel your warm embrace…
 
For now, there is this consolation,
My part of the world is waking,
I sing of our love together,
While we are yet miles apart…

 
-------------
December 17, 2024
My part of the world is waking
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, love, marriage, husband, wife, sunrise, power, God, Christ, Spirit, prayer,
 
#poetry #love #marriage #husband #wife #sunrise #power #God #Christ #Spirit #prayer

alone, all alone – v3 #Shevchenko #TarasShevchenko

alone, all alone, in chains,
trapped in the dungeon,
a maiden, the orphan,
away from her country…
 
unloved, unwanted,
alone and forgotten
no husband, no good fortune,
alone, without God…
 
alone, all alone, in chains,
longing for life, for freedom,
wanting to return to the bosom,
to her mother, Ukraine…

 
--------
Edited December 14, 2024
alone, all alone – v3
 
Edited November 1, 2024
alone, all alone – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/alone-all-alone-v2.html
after poem, “alone, all alone”,
based on the poem, “In the Fortress, No. 1”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 9, 2024
lay my body
typed October 16, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/lay-my-body_24.html
after poem, “lay my body”,
based on the poem, “The Testament”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
written Christmas Day, 1845,
when he was 31 years old,
the desire to be buried in Ukraine,
see link to Taras Hill, his burial site…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taras_Hill
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

The song of #Ukraine – v3

The song of Ukraine
its sweet words, its chorus,
has bled into my spirit
I hear her cries, her prayers,
in the silence of night…
 
I have come to love her,
her noble, courageous people,
fighting for survival, for independence,
this land, this country, this hope
that the world holds dear…
 
May victory come quickly,
may a just peace rise from the ashes
for this good and noble people,
may her blue and yellow flag
soar over every rooftop…
 
The song of Ukraine
on the lips of her people,
beating in their hearts, united,
rising, triumphant, ascendant
after a decade of war…

--------
Edited December 13, 2024
The song of Ukraine – v3
 
&
Edited November 25, 2024
Tales of Ukraina – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/tales-of-ukraina-v2.html
after poem, “Tales of Ukraina”,
based on the poem, “Prelude” of “The Haydamaki”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited September 6, 2024
Flying from every flagpole – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/flying-from-every-flagpole-v2.html
September 6, 2024
Trampled, beaten, yet unbowed
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/trampled-beaten-yet-unbowed.html
August 27, 2024
The Flag of their Independence
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-flag-of-their-independence.html
National Day of Remembrance – August 29, 2024
Ukraine Independence Day – August 24, 2024
Ukraine National Flag Day – August 23, 2024
&
Edited and posted October 3, 2024
I sing what thou hast whispered – v2
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-sing-what-thou-hast-whispered-v2.html
after poem, “I sing what thou hast whispered – v2”,
based on the poem, “Prelude” of “The Haydamaki”
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #song

The song of #Ukraine – v2

The song of Ukraine
has bled into my spirit
I hear her cries, her prayers,
in the silence of night…
 
I have come to love her,
her noble, courageous people,
fighting for survival, for independence,
this land, this country, this hope
that the world holds dear…
 
May a just peace rise from the ashes
for this good and noble people,
may her blue and yellow flag
soar over every rooftop…
 
The song of Ukraine
on the lips of her people,
beating in their hearts, united,
rising, triumphant, ascendant
after a decade of war…

--------
Edited December 13, 2024
The song of Ukraine – v2
 
&
Edited November 25, 2024
Tales of Ukraina – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/tales-of-ukraina-v2.html
after poem, “Tales of Ukraina”,
based on the poem, “Prelude” of “The Haydamaki”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited September 6, 2024
Flying from every flagpole – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/flying-from-every-flagpole-v2.html
September 6, 2024
Trampled, beaten, yet unbowed
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/trampled-beaten-yet-unbowed.html
August 27, 2024
The Flag of their Independence
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-flag-of-their-independence.html
National Day of Remembrance – August 29, 2024
Ukraine Independence Day – August 24, 2024
Ukraine National Flag Day – August 23, 2024
&
Edited and posted October 3, 2024
I sing what thou hast whispered – v2
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-sing-what-thou-hast-whispered-v2.html
after poem, “I sing what thou hast whispered – v2”,
based on the poem, “Prelude” of “The Haydamaki”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
A word of caution – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-word-of-caution-v2.html
after poem, “A word of caution”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
and John 4: 5-30 (woman at the well)
&
Edited October 30, 2024
my black-haired maiden – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-black-haired-maiden-v2.html
after poem, “my black-haired maiden”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
In that battle where they vanquished – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-that-battle-where-they-vanquished-v2.html
after poem, “in that battle where they vanquished”,
based on the poem, “Night of Taras”
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history #song

a place where the frost had not let go… - v4

so busy in that moment, my eyes on my cellphone,
looking down, distracted, walking to the car,
to continue my conversation, my texting,
talking to my beloved, my life,
taking these few minutes we had
to communicate, to connect…
 
my eyes stopped me, my walk to the car,
to something eternal, urgent, stopping,
looking a bit closer to something out of place,
a small shape I recognized, familiar, familial,
a place of love it seemed, for me to notice,
to pause, to capture, to preserve…
 
no larger than a women’s size 5 footprint
in the sundrenched yard, around 10:30am,
green from the warming this morning
the ceding of the cold, giving, releasing,
returning the yard to light, to autumn,
a place where the frost had not let go…
 
seemingly incongruent, inexplicable,
all around the green had returned,
the yard had come to life, wet after rain,
well above freezing, if just barely, 44 degrees.
but these few inches, this shape,
this spot held me entranced…
 
the frost held on a little longer, for me,
a little tighter yet, a treasure, to discover,
in the grip of winter, in white, still frozen,
treasuring this small space, set apart,
this island in the green yard,
bathed in December sunlight…
 
it was you, mom, wasn’t it (?), your spirit, stopping,
standing, watching over us last night as we slept,
your feet leaving an impression in the grass,
admiring our decorations, our Christmas lights,
I could picture you standing there, in your sweater,
chilled from the cold, in your narrow white sneakers…
 
how I wish you could have lingered, that you could
have come inside to hug me as I slept, or did you,
could you, you know how deep I sleep;
but thank you for this morning, that spot I savored,
feeling so close to you now writing these lines,
so glad I was drawn to your footstep…
 
how much I remember our Christmases, family,
our rituals, our decorations, tinsel that got everywhere,
the rides to find the right trees, scotch pine always,
the large colored lights, not white, the red star,
your coffee rings, dad turning on the lights Christmas morning,
love drenched each one of them, I remember so well…

 
-----------------  
Edited December 12, 2024
A place where the frost had not let go – v4
 
Edited December 12, 2024
A place where the frost had not let go – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/a-place-where-frost-had-not-let-go-v2.html
Edited December 12, 2024
a place where the frost had not let go – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/a-place-where-frost-had-not-let-go-v2_12.html
December 12, 2024
a place where the frost had not let go…
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/a-place-where-frost-had-not-let-go.html
Edited March 25, 2024
Painting with a brush filled with dew – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/painting-with-brush-filled-with-dew-v2.html
Edited March 25, 2024
Painting with a brush filled with Stars – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/painting-with-brush-filled-with-stars-v2.html
Edited March 25, 2024
God paints with a brush filled with Stars – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/god-paints-with-brush-filled-with-stars_25.html
New March 11, 2024
Painting with a brush filled with Stars
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/painting-with-brush-filled-with-stars.html
Edited/New March 11, 2024
Painting with a brush filled with dew
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/painting-with-brush-filled-with-dew.html
New March 11, 2024
Each droplet of dew placed
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/each-droplet-of-dew-placed.html
edited July 4, 2018
each drop breathed, a prayer
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/07/each-drop-breathed-prayer.html
edited July 4, 2018
each drop a prayer – v3
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/07/each-drop-prayer-v3.html
July 2, 2018
Pearls and Jewels of Water on the Bloom
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/07/pearls-and-jewels-of-water-on-bloom.html
July 2, 2018
post on the Realistic Poetry Twitter page,
https://twitter.com/RealisticPoetry
a picture of a orange lily covered in rain water
“How poetic can you be? Write a short poem about what you see!”
https://twitter.com/RealisticPoetry/status/1013841347558572033
edits to last stanza of prior poem
edited June 26, 2014
After the Shower – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/06/after-shower-v2.html
June 6, 2007 6:50
After the Shower
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/06/after-shower.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
--------
Poetry, dew, creator, Faith, flowers, God, hope, iris, leaves, life, Nature, water, worship, yard, lily, frost, mother, spirit, angel, visitation, Christmas,
 
#poetry #God #dewdrop #prayer #pearls #jewels #water #blossom #petals #Faith #flowers #hope #life #Nature #worship #poem #words #beauty #love #joy #frost #mother #spirit #angel #visitation #Christmas

a place where the frost had not let go… - v2

no larger than a footprint
in the sundrenched yard
green from the warming this morning
the ceding of the cold, giving,
returning the yard to light,
a place where the frost had not let go…
 
seemingly incongruent, inexplicable,
all around the green had returned,
the yard had come to life,
well above freezing, if just barely,
but these few inches
held me entranced…
 
the frost held on a little longer,
a little tighter yet, a treasure,
in the grip of winter, in white,
treasuring this small space
this island in the green yard,
bathed in December sunlight…
 
was it you, mom, your spirit, stopping,
standing, watching over us last night as we slept,
your feet leaving an impression in the grass,
admiring our decorations, our Christmas lights,
I could picture you standing there, in your sweater,
chilled from the cold, in your narrow white sneakers…

 
-----------------  
Edited December 12, 2024
a place where the frost had not let go… - v2
 
Edited March 25, 2024
Painting with a brush filled with dew – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/painting-with-brush-filled-with-dew-v2.html
Edited March 25, 2024
Painting with a brush filled with Stars – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/painting-with-brush-filled-with-stars-v2.html
Edited March 25, 2024
God paints with a brush filled with Stars – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/god-paints-with-brush-filled-with-stars_25.html
New March 11, 2024
Painting with a brush filled with Stars
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/painting-with-brush-filled-with-stars.html
Edited/New March 11, 2024
Painting with a brush filled with dew
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/painting-with-brush-filled-with-dew.html
New March 11, 2024
Each droplet of dew placed
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/03/each-droplet-of-dew-placed.html
edited July 4, 2018
each drop breathed, a prayer
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/07/each-drop-breathed-prayer.html
edited July 4, 2018
each drop a prayer – v3
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/07/each-drop-prayer-v3.html
July 2, 2018
Pearls and Jewels of Water on the Bloom
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/07/pearls-and-jewels-of-water-on-bloom.html
July 2, 2018
post on the Realistic Poetry Twitter page,
https://twitter.com/RealisticPoetry
a picture of a orange lily covered in rain water
“How poetic can you be? Write a short poem about what you see!”
https://twitter.com/RealisticPoetry/status/1013841347558572033
edits to last stanza of prior poem
edited June 26, 2014
After the Shower – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/06/after-shower-v2.html
June 6, 2007 6:50
After the Shower
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/06/after-shower.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
--------
Poetry, dew, creator, Faith, flowers, God, hope, iris, leaves, life, Nature, water, worship, yard, lily, frost, mother, spirit, angel, visitation, Christmas,
 
#poetry #God #dewdrop #prayer #pearls #jewels #water #blossom #petals #Faith #flowers #hope #life #Nature #worship #poem #words #beauty #love #joy #frost #mother #spirit #angel #visitation #Christmas